Obituary of Thelma Paulette Higgins

HIGGINS (PARKER), Thelma Paulette, age 76, of Milford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Debert Court, Debert.

Born in North Salem, she was a daughter of the late Earl and Pearl (Laffin)Parker.  Thelma worked at Scott's Restaurant in Shubenacadie while going to school and also hanging out at Gordon and Babe Kellough’s watching hockey where she met Gary.  Thelma worked at the old MT&T telephone office in Shubie for about 5 or so years while marrying Gary in September of 1969.  While raising her two boys as a stay-at-home Mom, she also babysat for friends and family members.  During Thelma’s full life she was always a very social person.  Always hanging out with her girlfriends playing darts and cards and hanging out at Shortts Lake.  Those were some of her most memorable times.  Thelma was a very family-oriented person who always put her boys and Gary first.  She was very funny and quick-witted and always had a smile on her face, except for when the boys had to do yard work (which they never really wanted to do).  Thelma started work at the Co-Op where she worked for many years which was great for her because she loved to talk and see all the members of the community.  Thelma never had a problem making new friends, there were too many to count over the years.  When Thelma’s granddaughter and grandson were born, she assumed the role of Nanny with every bit of her heart and soul.  Emilee and Nathan meant the world to her.  She talked about them every day while pulling out her wallet filled with pictures from the years.  After Thelma retired from the Co-op she spent hers years with Gary growing old with each other.  In 2023 Thelma moved into Debert Court for health reasons.  And once again, she made so many friends with staff and other residents.  The staff made her feel so welcome and a part of the family.  They will always be considered as part of the family in Debert.

She will be sadly missed by her husband of 55 years, Gary; sons, Chris and David (Brandon); former daughter-in-law, Patricia Higgins; grandchildren, Emilee and Nathan Higgins; sister, Marlene Gesner; brothers, Clarence (Carla) Parker, Richard (Wilma) Parker, Gordon (Jan) Parker and Paul Parker; numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her sister, Marion Singer and brothers, Melvin Parker and Ronnie Parker.

Cremation has taken place.  A visitation will be held 7-9 PM Friday, January 17, 2025 in Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie.

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Association or to the Alzheimers Society.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Thelma may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com