Franci Lorraine Higgins

June 14, 1931 - February 17, 2021

Franci Lorraine Higgins died on February 17, 2021 in Decatur, IL at age 89. Born June 14, 1931 in Colorado, she lived predominantly in Illinois, but spent many years in Washington, Nevada, and Arizona. Franci is survived by her daughter Erin Haney Klug, son-in-law Christopher Klug, and grandson Alexander Klug, all of Phoenix, AZ; and, by nieces Shelli Ferguson and Lizabeth Tarin, and nephew Mike Ferguson, all of El Paso, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents Rhoda Opal Webster and George Lewis Higgins, her brother John L. Higgins, and sister Joan Ferguson Coleman. In her youth, Franci was a model, dance instructor, singer and dental assistant. She even had a screen test with Paramount Studios in the early 1950s, and met numerous movie stars and musicians. Her family loved to quiz her on all the famous people she had met. Her short term memory lapses at 89 did not steal her fond memories of having met John Wayne, Tony Curtis, touring with Bob Hope's USO troupe, and others. She could rattle off the names of the lead actors in nearly any movie from the 1940s and 1950s. Franci had a lovely singing voice and a vast repertoire of songs from that era that she regularly sang to her daughter. Franci sang Autumn Leaves to her daughter on her visit before the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed visitation. Franci returned to Decatur in the last half of the 1970s, where she became a compassionate, dedicated in-home caregiver to numerous, elderly Decatur residents. At least three of her clients were more than 100 years old. She continued to provide elder care into her 80s. A loving mother, Franci sacrificed much for the well-being of her child. She was also a loyal sister and friend, and her memories of joyous life encounters and relationships sustained her. She will be missed. Franci’s family is very grateful for the kind, quality care she received for the last two years at Villa Clara Post Acute Care. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, facility staff strived to keep residents safe and engaged. Memorial donations in Franci’s name may be made to the Activities Department at Villa Clara (villaclarapostacute.com). Alternatively, to honor Franci’s enduring love of cats, donations can be made to Cats Only Veterinarian (catsonlydecatur.net) who generously provides much needed services to disabled and needy felines. No services are planned at this time.