Mina Higgins Phinney

Dennysville – Mina Higgins Phinney, 103, passed away Wednesday, September 05, 2012 in Machias with her family by her side. Mina was born in Dennysville on April 27, 1909, daughter of the late John Ralph and Grace (Allan) Higgins. After graduating from Dennysville High School she furthered her education at Colby College, graduating in 1930 with a degree in Education. While at Colby College, Mina joined Phi Mu Sorority, which she was active in until her death. Her first job out of college was teaching for Foxcroft Academy. She taught there for one year until an opening came available in her beloved town of Dennysville. Most of her career she taught English, Latin and French at Dennysville High School. On June 23, 1932, she married her love, Donald H. Phinney. During WWII, Mina served as a plane watcher in the local area. When the school closed, Mina taught languages for Washington Academy until 1971, at which time she became the school librarian until her retirement in 1977. She was a member of Dennysville Congregational Church where she was the organist for many years. Mina was also a member of Daughters of the American Revolution through her ancestor Col. John Allan, who served as the Native American Liaison during the Revolutionary War. Mina was particularly proud to be the first recipient of the Dennysville/Edmunds Centurion Cane. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years Donald Phinney; a son Franklin Phinney; her siblings Eleanor Berg, R. Forrest Higgins, Madelyn Stanley, and Marjorie Holly; and a nephew Ralph Berg. Surviving are her nieces and nephews Peter A. Higgins and his wife Bonnie of Bangor, Robert F. Higgins Sr. and his wife Brenda of Skowhegan, John Stanley and his wife Elaine of Readfield, and Suzanne Thomas and her companion Dana Nowell of Augusta; grand-nephews Forrest Higgins and his wife Sandra of Orrington, Darren Higgins and his wife Karrie of Naugatuck, CT and Robert Berg and his wife Heather of Corinna; grand-nephews and grand-nieces who thought of Mina as their grandmother, Robert F. Higgins Jr. and his wife Melanie of Millinocket, Tracy Higgins and her companion Marc Poulin of Norridgewock, Tammy Higgins Dobler and her husband Lance of Lamar, MO, and Donald Higgins and his wife Kim of Skowhegan; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. A graveside service celebrating the life of Mina will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Dennysville Cemetery. Donations in Mina’s memory may be made to Dennys River Fire & Ambulance, 1935 US Route One, Edmunds Twp., ME 04628 or Dennysville/Edmunds Congregational Church, PO Box 65, Dennysville, ME 04628. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.