An Oklahoma City nun who worked at the Center of Family Love died Thursday afternoon in a crash near Okarche in Canadian County, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported.
Sister Veronica Higgins, 74, of Oklahoma City, was pronounced dead by the state medical examiner after the crash about 3:15 p.m. on Northwest Expressway / State Highway 3, and NW 192 about 4 miles south of Okarche, the patrol reported.
Higgins was the case manager at the Center of Family Love in Okarche. She was also a past administrator and principal at the former Villa Teresa School in Oklahoma City.
Sister Veronica Higgins of Center of Family Love in Okarche. (Photo provided)
Higgins was driving a 2020 Chevy Sonic westbound on SH 3 Thursday, Jan. 2, when she drove off the roadway and hit a tree. The car went off an embankment and landed in a creek, the patrol reported.
A medical incident appeared to have contributed to the crash, the patrol reported.
Higgins wore a seat belt, the patrol reported.
Oklahoma City Catholic Archbishop Paul Coakley posted on social media: “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. Therese, and all who grieve her passing. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord,” Coakley wrote.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be provided in the near future, Coakley wrote.
Sister Veronica Higgins. (Photo provided)
Debbie Espinosa, Center of Family Love CEO, wrote on Facebook:
“It is with such sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Sister Veronica Higgins. Sister Veronica was more than beloved member of the Center of Family Love. She was the spiritual guide for all of us and the mother to all her precious children here at CFL.
Our residents called her “mama” an endearing name that she cherished. It melted her heart to know they saw her as their mother at CFL. Many residents would wait by the window every morning before her arrival just to greet her and give her that first morning hug. She said that she loved completing her career at CFL because God had called to serve the orphans, the poor, and the needy.
She brightened each day of our residents’ lives with her engaging spirit through her beautiful music, kindness, love, and even dancing. Our residents loved singing along with her as she played her guitar almost every day.
If she cannot be with her precious children here at the Center of Family Love, we know there is no place that Sister would rather be than in the arms of Jesus! She was a true servant leader for us at the Center of Family Love. She gave selflessly every day to all those in need.
We know when our Lord meets her His words will be….. “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
Sister, you will always live in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Our hearts are broken and we will miss you!
With love, your Center of Family Love residents, staff, friends and family.”
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