OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Oklahomans are mourning after learning Sister Veronica Higgins of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus died according to The Catholic News Agency (CNA)
Higgins died in a car accident Thursday, January 2.
According to authorities, the accident happened on Northwest Expressway and State Highway 3, four miles south of Okarche. Patrol reports confirm that Higgins' vehicle left the road, striking a tree and landing in a creek.
Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City paid tribute to Higgins shortly after the accident, on Facebook, writing, "I have just learned of the sudden and unexpected death of Sister Veronica Higgins, CST, earlier today, Jan. 2. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Veronica, the Carmelite Sisters of St. Thérèse, and all who grieve her passing.” “Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,” the bishop continued, adding that “funeral arrangements are pending and will be provided in the near future.”
The Catholic News Agency (CNA) additionally reported that Higgins was the case manager at the Center of Family Love, a ministry to the intellectually disabled, in Okarche, according to the Okarche Warrior.
On the website for her order, Higgins wrote that her favorite Bible verse is Micah 6:8, which reads: “The Lord asks of us only this: to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God.”
An archdiocesan spokesman told CNA that the sisters are “still struggling with the loss”.
Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, issued the following statement on the passing of Sister Veronica Higgins.
“Sister Veronica Higgins was a beautiful person, a beacon of compassion, service, and unwavering dedication to her community. Sister Veronica devoted her life to lifting up those in need—offering her care and support without hesitation. Her work with Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including at the Center of Family Love, was a testament to her commitment to caring for and enhancing the lives of others. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom and the communities she served, shaping countless lives and inspiring all who knew her. Oklahoma has lost a remarkable woman, and her absence will be deeply felt.
Funeral arrangements for Sister Veronica Higgins have been finalized as follows:
Vigil Service
Mass of Christian Burial
There will be a reception in Connor Center after the Funeral Mass, followed by a private burial.
Higgins was 74.
