Colleen Mary Higgins, born March 1, 1960, formerly of Spring Lake and Providence, Rhode Island, passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, after a brave and valiant fight against Multiple Sclerosis.

She was predeceased by her father James F. Higgins Jr. in 2014.

She was a graduate of Manasquan High School and Rutgers University. Colleen was a gifted writer and painter and studied art at universities in the United States and Europe. She loved the beach and the ocean and could often be seen in summer walking Salem Avenue to take a late afternoon dip.

She is survived by her mother, Marilyn Higgins of Wall Township, and her five brothers and sisters Sean and Patricia Higgins of Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, Brendan and Susan Higgins of Wall Township, NJ, Mary Elizabeth and Peter Spaeth of Wall Township, NJ, Kieran and Eileen Higgins of Fair Haven, NJ and Maureen and Mark Williams of Alexandria, VA. Among Colleen’s joys was her many nieces and nephews Sean, Eamonn, & Colin Higgins, Kelsey & Jack Higgins, Samantha, Rebecca, & Peter Spaeth, Madeline & Kevin Higgins and Clare Williams; and her great niece and nephews, Finn, Annie and John (Jack) Higgins. Her home was adorned with their many pictures.

Visitation will take place at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy. 35, Wall NJ, on Friday, June 15th, from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Catharine’s Church, Spring Lake, NJ, on Saturday, June 16th, at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, 1100 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls NJ, 07712 in appreciation for their tremendous compassion and care.