Barbara A. (Schumacher) Higley

Barbara A. Schumacher Higley passed away peacefully on August 3, 2020 at Westside Care Center, in Manchester, CT.  She was born on May 27, 1935 in Buffalo, NY, daughter to the late J. Clifford and Corinne A. Schumacher.  She was raised and educated in Manchester, CT where she lived most of her life. Barbara married the late John W. Higley and raised 4 children next door to her childhood home. Barbara was an avid snowmobiler, golfer, bowler and knitter. She loved to travel cross country in her pop-up camper, exploring the USA and its national parks. Barbara also loved whale watches and spending time with family at Harkness Memorial State Park. She proudly worked the voting polls at Keeney Street School for many years. She enjoyed the rewarding job of stay-at-home mother, going on to work at Royal Ice Cream & Macy’s in later life.

Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved parents, her nephew Scott Schumacher and her former husband John W. Higley. She is survived by her children Laura Wilkens of New Fairfield, Kristina Carpenter of Newington, Jay Higley of Willington and Alyssa Fogg (Tom) of Homedale, Idaho. Her grandchildren Edward (Heather) Carpenter, Jonathan Carpenter, Sarah, Melissa and Jenna Higley, Andrew (Elizabeth) Wilkens, Aidan (Brittany) Fogg and Isabelle (Scott) Christensen. And her great grandchildren Teddy, Brooke, Ellie, Lavena, Payzlie, Grayson and Oliver. She also is survived by her brother James C. Schumacher and nephew Mark Schumacher.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caring staff at Westside for their care and compassion during this pandemic crisis and for helping Barbara keep in touch with her family through phone calls and window visits.

Calling hours will be held Monday, May 3, 2021 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT, 06040.  Burial will be private, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Native American Heritage Association at https://www.naha-inc.org/donate/. To leave a memory or message of condolence for the family please visit www.holmeswatkins.com.

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