GILBERTSVILLE – J. Louise W. Higgins, 91, passed away at home in the loving company of her family and caregivers on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008.
She was born Josephine Louise Hull on April 5, 1917 in Utica, the daughter of George G. and Josephine (Worts) Hull. She was also the adopted daughter of Daniel C. and Grace (Darby) Williams, with whom she spent her early life on a farm in Laurens. The family moved to Unadilla in 1923, and she graduated from Unadilla Central School in 1935. She attended the School of Related Arts and Sciences, later known as Munson Williams Proctor Institute.
A gifted artist, Louise was employed during World War II as a Technical Illustrator at Scintilla in Sidney, drawing engine parts for the field manuals.
Louise married Edward A. Higgins on March 3, 1946 in Miami, Florida, and they made their home on Riverside in Sidney. After the death of Edward in 1990, she continued to live in the family home until 2005, when she moved to Gilbertsville to be with her daughter and son-in-law.
Louise pursued a career in fine art, and working almost exclusively in the media of charcoal and pastel, created over 500 portraits. Louise thought faces fascinating, always seeking to capture the essence of a person’s character in her work. She would often say that “a beautiful young person is an accident of nature, but a beautiful old person is a work of art.” The following quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson best summed up her philosophy: “The gods we worship write their names on our faces.” Louise was also gifted in architectural drawing, and her most well known image was of the Farmhouse Restaurant in Emmons. She had shown her work in numerous galleries throughout the region, garnering many awards, including over 50 blue ribbons. Her other awards include “Best of Show” at the Tianaderrah Art Show in 1967; Grand Champion prize at the 1971 Walton Fair; and first prize at the 1974 Binghamton Courthouse Show.  Louise had five solo exhibits, including one at the Rexmere Gallery (now the Mural Gallery) in Stamford.
A loving and devoted wife and mother, Louise was also a whimsical, imaginative woman with a generous spirit. Louise will be remembered by all who knew her for her quick wit and her remarkable ability to remember poetry, songs, and stories. She had many interests, including  architecture, history, literature, philosophy, photography, travel, and writing. She loved trees, rocks, birds, and white flowers. Louise loved classical music, especially the works of Richard Wagner. She also enjoyed playing the piano, and was gifted with a beautiful singing voice.
Louise was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, and more recently attended Zion Episcopal Church in Morris. She was active in a number of organizations throughout the years including the Hill and Valley Garden Club of Sidney, The Red Hat Society, The Bainbridge Women’s Club, and the Sidney Festival Chorus. She was past president of the Tianaderrah Art Guild; the Monday Club of Sidney; the American University Club; and the Unadilla Central School Alumni Association. Louise also served as Delaware County Chairman of the Delaware and Sullivan County Women’s Clubs. Louise held memberships in numerous arts organizations over the years, including the Cooperstown Art Association, Chenango County Council of the Arts, Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts, and GAGA (Gilbertsville Arts, Gilbertsville Artists), and was one of the original members of the Leatherstocking Brush and Palette Club.
She was predeceased by her brother, George Gordon Hull, Jr.; and a daughter, Joan Louise Higgins. Louise is survived by her son Earl A. Higgins of Sidney; daughter Jane Evelynne Higgins, and son-in-law Albert J. Caranci. She is also survived by her dearest friend, Lady Ostapeck, and by her beloved pet cat, Shadow.
The funeral will be held on Monday, Dec. 22, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Main St., Unadilla, with the Rev. Robert Witt officiating. Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parish hall, with the memorial service at 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Immediately following the memorial service, friends are invited to a celebration of Louise’s life at her home in Gilbertsville. Funeral arrangements were made through C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice, 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Burial will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in the spring.