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Margaret "Peggy" Marian Higgins (nee Sommers) Obituary

Brought to you by A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors

Margaret "Peggy" Marian Higgins (nee Sommers)

Royal Oak, MI

April 15, 1929 - October 10, 2021

Margaret "Peggy" Marian Higgins (nee Sommers) Obituary

Margaret "Peggy" Marian Higgins (née Sommers), 92, of Birmingham, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the presence of family members on October 10, 2021. Peggy was born on April 15, 1929, to Francis and Margaret Sommers in Detroit. She graduated first in her class from St. Francis de Sales, Detroit, in 1947. After graduation, Peggy landed her first job at The Detroit Bank, initially as bank teller then as head bookkeeper. In 1949, Peggy met the love of her life, Francis W. Higgins, at a dance in the Grande Ballroom. They married in 1951 when Frank returned from Army service in the Korean War. They went on to have eight children, Francis Jr. (the late Denise), Kevin (Herenia), Diane Widlak (Paul), Nancy Jess (Dan), Brian (Clarice), Julie Penington (Richard), Lisa Higgins Hussman, and Glenn (Lisa). Peggy dedicated her life to being a devoted mother. She excelled at challenging, encouraging and supporting her children throughout their lives. She always stressed the importance of family unity as well as Catholic teachings. Peggy's love did not stop with her children. She was a special grandmother to 20 and a great grandmother to 20. She was their staunchest advocate and biggest fan. She made it her mission to provide wise counsel and improve their lives. Peggy equally embraced the friends of her family and anyone else that might come into her orbit. Peggy was an avid reader, especially of novels, on a wide variety of topics. Once she had put all the children to bed, she could be found sitting on the sofa, turning pages, immersed in the story. Peggy believed in the magic of books. She took her children to the public library every Saturday. Peggy worked as a volunteer for the library and delivered books to Assisted Living Facilities around town. She forged strong relationships with the residents and catered to their special interests. Ever since September, 1964, when Peggy first stood nervously at the 50-yard line to watch a St. Agatha football game, she became an ardent fan. She never missed her sons playing St Agatha football. Peggy was also the Detroit Lions most passionate supporter. She was always sure to watch the Lions on television. Peggy faithfully observed the Catholic tradition and lived according to Christ's teachings. She was a role model and will be missed by all those who held her dear. Peggy was preceded in death by Frank, her husband of 67 years. She was a loving sister of and preceded in death by John, Edwin (Anne), Hildegarde Villeneuve (Eugene), Francis, Bernadette Villeneuve (Maurice), Alfred, Joseph (Joan), and Julie Maguire (survived by Francis). Family will receive friends Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 4-8pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons, 2600 Crooks Road, Troy, Michigan, (248) 362-2500. Rosary 7pm. Funeral Mass Friday, October 15, 2021, 10am at Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham. Visitation at church begins 9:30am. Internment will take place Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Memorial tributes to Angels Place, 29299 Franklin Rd., Southfield, MI 48034 and Persephone Mae Foundation, PO Box 331802, Miami FL 33233.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Margaret "Peggy" Marian Higgins (nee Sommers) hosted by A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors.

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