Sister Veronica (Rosine) Higgins, BVM
Sister Veronica (Rosine) “Ronnie” Higgins, BVM, 79, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Visitation, the Sharing of Memories and Mass of Christian Burial were on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Burial was in the Mount Carmel cemetery.
Sister Veronica was born Nov. 21, 1945, in Chicago, to Joseph and Roseanne (Keenan) Higgins. She entered the BVM congregation July 31, 1963, from St. Bartholomew Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1966, and final vows on Jan. 6, 1974.
Sister Veronica was an elementary teacher at Visitation ES in Des Moines, Iowa; Iowa City Catholic ES in Iowa City, Iowa; St. Anne ES in East Moline, Ill.; and St. Jerome ES in Chicago. She served as a religion and social studies teacher at The Immaculata HS in Chicago. She worked in the public relations office and in the learning center at Mundelein College in Chicago. She ministered as a hospital chaplain at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Ill.; Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Ill; St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, Ill.; and St. Mary’s Health Center in St. Louis.
“Ronnie knew the value of companionship in times of suffering and appreciated the privilege of being present to one who is suffering. Speaking about her ministry, she shared, “It is important to remember that a family member never forgets the death of their loved one or what was said (or not said) in that experience. I consider each patient and family encounter sacred, intimate and personal. I am privileged to offer comfort, presence and prayer at a very personal time in the lives of those I serve.” (Eulogy, Mary Frances Clarke Chapel, July 9, 2025)
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Bernadette (Edward) Nolan, Pat Higgins, Tom Higgins and Dan Higgins. She is survived by nieces and nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 61years.
Watch Memorial Mass and Sharing of Memories
Download Eulogy (coming soon)
Veronnica was in the seat behind me. I was too immature to get to know her while we were in the Novitiate together. Since I have been back to Mt. Carmel several times, Veronica would always greet me with her quiet charm and made me feel welcome like I was coming home. I am glad I grew up to know this gentle soul before she died.
I remember Sister Veronica when she was a senior at Immaculata. Then Sister came to study Pastoral Care at St. Joseph Hospital where I worked. Over the years I saw Sister at many BVM events. Grateful she was able to join us for lunch last year when we did Mac to the Miss. It will seem strange not to see her at Mount Carmel Bluffs.
Fond memories of Veronica many years ago as part of our set…. Enjoyed the few reunion visits I was able to attend to get reacquainted. Remembering her quiet caring and thoughtfulness.