It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia M. (Recor) Higgins, age 78, on Friday, Nov. 11th, after a long, brave battle with cancer, with her loving family by her side.
The Funeral will be held at 11am Friday, Nov. 18th, at the River Community Church. Calling hours will be held Thursday, Nov. 17th, from 4-7pm, at the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.
One of nine children of Howard and Florence (O’Donnell) Recor, she was born in Carthage, N.Y. in 1938. Her family later moved to a farm in Clayton, where she attended Clayton High School.
She married Walter Adams, which ended in divorce, and together they have one daughter, Darcy (Donnie) Garnsey. Later she married George (Charlie) Higgins at the Methodist Church in LaFargeville in 1964. Together they have three daughters, Sherri (Larry) Martin, Sally (Scott) Beeles, and Cindy (Jerry) Vecchio.
Pat owned and operated Yazell’s Restaurant on Rte. 12, near Alexandria Bay for over 30 years. At the same time she operated The Guzzle in T.I. Park on Wellesley Island for 12 years. She endeared herself to many of the “park” kids who worked for her and she loved them all. If that wasn’t enough, Pat, along with her good friend Bonnie Small had a catering business where they catered for the T.I. Bridge Authority. She also had the pleasure of meeting many celebrities while she catered many events for the D.P.A.O. and Joe Rich. Pat bowled for many years and attended numerous tournaments. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Pat taught many how to cook and gave many teenagers their first job. She was known for telling you the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not. She was as brave as she was tenderhearted, a loyal friend and her smile was contagious.
Besides her four daughters and their husbands, she is survived by two brothers, Voigt (Joan) Recor of LaFargeville, and Henry Recor of Homer; two step-children, Pam (Moe) Wheeler of Adams, and Gary (Penny) Higgins; 16 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews to count, each with the same strong willed, loving personality as their Aunt Pat.
Pat has now received her wings and has joined out Heavenly Father and her loving parents, beloved brothers Earl, Carlton “Corky,” Robert and Larry, her cherished sisters Gertrude (Ross) Wells, Maureen (Frank) Conant, and her adored grandson Dustin Howard Hare. We are sure that they have been waiting for this beautiful, humorous, loving and brave angel to come home so they can all dance together once again.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, N.Y. 13601.
Mike and Terri Cole
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sherri, Joanne and the rest of your family also.
Elsie Countryman
You were loved by so many, Pat. Finally no more pain for you. You will be missed by many! What a wonderful caring person you were. RIP!
Nancy Humphrey
So sad for Pat’s family and many friends. She was one special lady and will be missed but never forgotten. I had the pleasure of meeting Pat when she operated the Guzzle and I would see her from time to time in Clayton and it was always like meeting a dear friend. She was always so upbeat and smiling no matter what she was going thru. May she now rest in peace.
Jayme Spearnock
To all of Pat’s family, I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I always had such nice visits with her when she lived at Strawberry Lane. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely, Jayme
Kay Woodruff
Sherri and family, I was so sorry to read about the death of your mother. She certainly had a fulfilling life. I will always remember that my dad’s favorite place to eat when they spent their summers on the river was at Yazelle’s. We enjoyed many meals there. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Kay Woodruff
Michelle(LaRock) &Joseph De Year
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Marie & Pat Biondolillo
I knew Pat for many years, not only a customer of mine, a baby sitter for our daughters, but as a good friend. Our daughters went to school together and we enjoyed many events together. She will be missed. Pat was a wonderful person and cared about so many. Our hearts go out to her daughters and family. May she rest in peace and watch over us. Our Sincerest sympathies for all her family. Love Marie & Pat
Donna Conant Skirvin
Prayers for all of Pat’s family, sooo sorry for your loss. RIP
Jan Livingston
Dear Darcy, so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was such a nice lady. Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you.
Jan Livingston
Michael Stedem
Pat was the very best. She mentored dozens and dozens of TI Park kids. She taught them and consoled them. She helped them grow into young adults.When ever the Park needed anything she was their for all of us. My entire family and especially my Grandchildren and I are all the better for Pat having been a part of our Lives!
Bill Breitenbuecher
So very sorry to read of your mom’s passing. May your loving memories bring you comfort. Mr. B.
Linda L. Turner
Linda (Frank) Turner & Richard Turner:
To the family… your mother was a beautiful lady from the time I knew her growing up. Her eyes sparkled and when she looked at you, she lit up the room. Always and forever in my heart. A new angel now has her wings to soar………….
Deb Sheley
Darci,
Gramma Pat & Howd are kicking up those heels! Love to all! My prayers are with you!
Deb
Pam and Jeff Putney
Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you through this difficult time….may you rest in peace now Pat.
Lynn & Dave Garnsey
Many fond memories of your mom over the years doing business with her, and just simply enjoying and sitting and talking with her. Always gracious and always leaving me with a smile. Greatly missed, and very sorry for your loss.
Lynn & Dave
Julie Knapp
I love you Aunt Pat! Thank you for always believing in me. I trust there is a great reunion in heaven. I pray for comfort and healing for your family. Fly high Beautiful angel. Until we meet again.
Laurie Veres
Shorty, I am so so so sorry that you and and your family must go through this… No words I say will make anyone of you to feel better, but know I WILL ALWAYS be THERE/HERE for you… We’ve became great friends within the last couple of years and am forever grateful for the friendship comeback.. Our talks about your Mom keep coming back to me and I’m so pissed off at myself that I didn’t realize just how bad she had gotten, please forgive me… I love you and wish I could be there with you. Stand tall woman, your Momma knew and knows how much you love here.. She is know gonna do her job all over again and watch over you and your loved ones <3
Sally Conant Taylor
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family. Ms. Pat, May you rest in peace.
Eva Conant Nicholas and family
Mary C Lundy
Cindy ~ I am so saddened to hear of her passing. She will be greatly missed….she was truly a beautiful woman both inside and out. Hold on to your memories, they will get you through those rough days. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family, tonight and always. God bless.
Dan Carroll
May GOD bless Pat”s family and may GOD keep Pat safe in HIS HANDS forever. Love always from Dan, Sally, Kathy, Joyce and Sean Carroll.
Darcy Garnsey
Thank you. We tried to get ahold of you all but no luck. Here is my phone number 315-489-1701 I would love to hear from you Dan and rest of family love Darcy