LEWISTON — Sandra L. Higgins, 70, of 489 Lower St., Turner, died unexpectedly late Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Central Maine Medical Center with her family at her side.

She was born in Auburn, May 7, 1940, an only child of John S. and Evelyn (Babb) Russell. Sandy grew up in Dixfield, attending Dixfield schools and graduated from Dixfield High School in 1958. Following high school, she attended the Maine Medical Center School of Nursing in Portland, graduating in 1961.

On Sept. 9, 1961, she married Frederic C. Higgins and together they settled in Auburn to raise their family. They lived in Auburn for 24 years before moving to Turner, having been a resident there since 1985. Sandy was employed as a registered nurse at Central Maine Medical Center for more than 30 years. The last five years before her retirement in 2001 were spent as a childbirth educator certified by the International Childbirth Education Association.

Mrs. Higgins was an active member of the 1st Universalist Church of Auburn-Unitarian-Universalist, having served on the Board of Directors, the Religious Education Committee and the Music Committee. Sandy was an avid reader, and she enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, sewing, and spending quality times with her family and friends.

She also enjoyed traveling with her husband Fred, especially Summer vacations at York Beach. Sandy was a loving, devoted and hard-wroking wife, mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed.

She leaves her husband, Frederic Higgins of Turner; two daughters, Deanna Higgins and fiance, Richard Grimes, of Stratham, N.H., and Barbara Campbell of Auburn; two grandchildren, Bryan and Jessica Campbell of Auburn; her brother-in-law, Earl Higgins and wife, Barbara, of Gorham; and two nieces, Lauren and Andrea Higgins.

She was predeceased by her parents.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Sandra’s family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.