Diana Mae Higgins, 82, a lifelong resident of Herkimer and Mohawk, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, November 26, 2025, at the Albany Medical Center.

She was born on February 13, 1943 in Herkimer, New York. She was the daughter and only child of Robert and Margie (Vorhees) Jones. Diana was raised and educated in Herkimer where she graduated the class of 1962. On May 3, 1967, she was united in marriage to Harold Leroy Higgins at the Universalist Church, Herkimer. They were married for a short seven years until Harold's untimely death in 1974.

Diana had a very long and satisfying career with Avon. A job she dedicated herself to and took great pride in. Over her career, she rose to the position as District Manager. She retired, but was so successful at her job, they asked her to come out of retirement for several years. Her hard work and determination inspired other women in her field and earned her many awards from Avon. After Diana's official retirement, she took on the role of caregiver to her beloved mother, opening her home and providing love and care in her mother's final years.

The Baptist Church and her faith were a very important part of her life. She was a very strong and independent woman, but her faith in the Lord helped her through many difficult times in her life. She remained active and involved in the Christian Women's Group, here she created lifelong connections to other women, sharing her beliefs.

Over the years, Diana had various motorhomes and she truly enjoyed camping locally. Travel was very important to her, having traveled to the majority of the United States and some travel abroad. Sharing her many stories and memories of those travels was a favorite past time for her. She enjoyed her trips to Nashville because of her love for country music. Every weekend, Diana looked forward to listening to the top country music countdown. She loved sharing the #1 song with family each week. In her younger years, she and a few friends would participate in line dancing, and she recalled those fond memories and the fun she had.

As a child, Diana's parents built a camp on Kyser Lake, Little Falls. The lake was one of her greatest joys. She looked forward to spending summer weekends there with family. A boat ride around the lake was a favorite activity for her, recalling childhood memories.

Diana is survived by her beloved son Steven Higgins and his companion Robin Loomis, Herkimer, loving grandsons Nicholas Higgins and his wife Rachel and Zachary Higgins and his wife Ashley, cherished great grandchildren, Asher, Hannah, Gracelynn and Jaxson Higgins, brother-in-law Daniel Higgins, sisters-in-law Sharon Rhodes and Audrey Higgins, nieces Deborah Fitch, Denise Johnson, Beth Ann Steadman, nephews Marvel Broadbent, Dave Broadbent, Brian Higgins, and Randy Higgins. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Margie, husband, Harold, and a niece Lesa Dickenson.

Friends and family are respectfully invited to Diana's calling hours on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 2 to 4 PM at Fenner Funeral Home, Inc. 115 Court St. Herkimer. A funeral service will follow the calling hours at 4 PM at the funeral home, where pastor Christopher Wintermute, from the First Baptist Church in Little Falls, will officiate. She will be laid to rest with her parents in the Dolgeville Cemetery in the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, it is Diana's wish that those who want to make a donation, please consider the Herkimer Humane Society, PO Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.