Catherine Cagliotti Higgins, 64, of West Haven, a former East Haven resident, died peacefully on July 22 at the Connecticut Hospice, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of George S. Higgins, Sr. Catherine was born in New Haven on Sept. 25, 1947, daughter of the late Frank and Josephine Laucella Cagliotti. Catherine had worked as a bookkeeper at Imps Oil for several years. She was a loyal Yankees fan and loved to play cards and Bingo, read, travel, crochet, and go to the casino. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandson Frank Anthony, and went to all of his games. In addition, she was a fan of Elvis Presley.

Catherine was very generous in supporting children's and animal charities. She was also a member of the Annex Club and served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Francis Church in New Haven.

Her family expresses their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Apple Rehab in West Haven for the exceptional care they gave Catherine.

Besides her husband, Catherine is survived by her two beloved children, George S. Higgins, Jr., and his wife Julie and Frank Joseph Higgins, and two sisters, to whom she was devoted, Carla Diglio and her husband Sabatino of East Haven and Pamela "Cag" Cagliotti and her partner Annmarie. In addition, she is survived by her grandson Frank Anthony Higgins, who was her pride and joy, as well as her brother-in-law Martin Higgins and his wife Rosemarie. She was predeceased by her sister Christine Desiderio.

Her funeral procession left the Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc., New Haven, on Aug. 16 for a Mass of Christian burial at Our Lady of Victory Church. Entombment took place in the All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942; or to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.