Monica Higgins (Zaczynski)

Beautiful, Lovely, Always Nice to Everyone and We Love You

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Monica Higgins (Zaczynski) on March 9, 2026 at the age of 39. Monica passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family following a fierce and courageous fight against breast cancer.

Monica was a beautiful soul known for her genuine kindness and love. She was strong and determined but in the kindest and gentlest way. She always thought of others first, especially her loved ones.

Monica’s spirit lives on in her five year old son Llewyn whom she loved beyond measure, her beloved husband Brock, her mother Genny, father Eugene, sister Christine and brother in law Sean. She loved and was loved by so many friends and family both in Ottawa/Chelsea where she made a home, and her hometown of Toronto where she grew up.

We will forever remember the joy and love Monica brought to us all and will profoundly miss her. In Llewyn’s words, she is “Beautiful, Lovely, Always Nice to Everyone and We Love You.”

Service Details- A Celebration of Life 

A traditional mass service in English and Polish will be held in Toronto on Friday March 27, 2026. 
This will be at the Saint Casimir’s Church at 10am followed by burial of ashes at the Parklawn Cemetery 
www.kazimierz.org/en
www.parklawncemetery.ca/about-us/our-location

Ottawa celebration of life:
True to Monica’s nature and her love for simple, genuine connection, a vibrant celebration of her life will be held in the Spring in Ottawa. We know Monica would have wanted a gathering of loved ones filled with warmth and shared stories.

When: Friday, May 22, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm
Where: Chelsea Brewery, 6 Ch. Douglas, Chelsea, QC — about 20 minutes from Ottawa. This was a special place in Monica and Brock’s neighbourhood, where they spent many happy moments with Llewyn.

Details:

The gathering will be primarily outdoors, with some indoor space available. Please dress for the weather in clothes that bring you joy.
Appetizers and snacks will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase on site.
This will be a family event where children are more than welcome.
Remarks and a tribute will be shared around 3:30pm with time to share memories and stories throughout. Please feel free to bring photos or anything else to share.
Parking is available on site, along Douglas Street, or at the soccer field parking lot on Ch. Cecil.
RSVP is not required, but it would help us plan this special celebration. If you plan to attend, please let us know by email: brock.higgy@gmail.com or christinezac@hotmail.com. 

The official event runs until 5:00 pm but people can stay as long as they like. Fire pits will be available on the patio and in the ski chalet.
Thank you all so much for your love and support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 

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Memory wall

March 28, 2026

I was so saddened to hear of Monica's passing. It was a joy to work with her for several years at TELUS. My condolences to her family and friends at this very difficult time.

Nancy Moir

March 26, 2026

So many special memories from our years in T.O, weekend gatherings, dancing, races, your first triathlon (!), late-night chats, and our shared love of indie/ house music. You always had such a calm, chill demeanour. I’ll always cherish those memories. So much love goes out to your family, hubs and to your sweet boy.

Irisz Paupera

March 23, 2026

Monica, I’ll always hold our childhood friendship close to my heart. You were truly one of the good ones, so kind, smart, and funny, with such a beautiful light. I feel so lucky to have known you and shared those memories. You’ll never be forgotten. My heart is with your family.

Krystle O'Brien

March 22, 2026

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Monica. We knew her from kindergarten and she was a friend of my daughter. She was a beautiful girl, so happy, and a lovely smile.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to her family at this difficult time.

The Minogue family

March 19, 2026

I am so sorry for your loss. Way too young. Hugs to the whole Higgins family.

Tanis Berthaudin

March 19, 2026

I am deeply saddened to hear of Monica's untimely passing. She was an extremely talented member of my TELUS team. An amazing team player, she was always positive regardless of what challenges were thrown her way. My heart goes out to her family for such a tragic loss.

Suzanne Rochford

March 18, 2026

I’m so grateful to have had Monica in my life. As classmate, roommate, friend… if only for a short moment in time, she is forever in my heart. My deepest condolences to her family. Shine bright Mawn, you always did! ✨

Destiny Diebold

March 18, 2026

Sending my heartfelt condolences to Monica’s family and friends. I remember her as a very kind, intelligent, big hearted girl and always had a smile on her face back in high school. May she rest peacefully!

Amber Wolen

March 18, 2026

Rest peacefully, Monica. You were such a beautiful person. I am so grateful to have gotten to know you through high school . Sending love to your family and loved ones 🤍

Adrienne Finlay

March 17, 2026

My sincerest sympathy to Monica’s family. During Monica’s grade school years, she and my daughter Lauren were close friends. It was such an honour to have known Monica.

Mary Bordynuik

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