Sunny May Higgins, age 75, left for heaven on Jan. 29, 2016, after suffering from cancer — a long and difficult struggle.

Sunny was born in Somis, Calif., on May 16, 1940, to Frederick and Sadie Mae Snyder.

She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Eventually, she received a master’s degree in art from Pius the XII School of Arts at Villa Schifanola in Firenze, Italy. She taught visual arts and junior high art — it was her passion.

In August 1968, she married Lt. Joseph Higgins, DDS, at the Point Mugu Chapel. After her husband returned from Vietnam, she moved to Whidbey Island, where she became an active Navy wife. The family raised five children and she continued in art work, 4-H, soccer, bookkeeping, etc.

Sunny enjoyed everything, but her passion was the protection of our God-given rights and the U.S. Constitution. She loved animals, including rabbits — hundreds of them, all named.

A special note: Sunny took care of her special needs son, Daniel, for over 24 years. Daniel needed 24/7 attention and Sunny was there for every minute. Wow, what love and dedication!

Sunny was an active member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. She taught CCD for a number of years, actively served as a lector and was there for others whenever needed.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Joseph P. Higgins, DDS; children, Commander Joseph Higgins, USCG, Commander Brian Higgins, USCG, Catherine Fiedler, Daniel Higgins (deceased) and James Higgins; sisters Kristi Colell and Tes Snyder; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing from 2-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the Wallin Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, with rites of interment at the Maple Leaf Cemetery and reception at the Wallin funeral home occurring immediately afterwards.

Please visit Sunny’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories of condolences. Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor.