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 

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

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.

Please refer to the invite for details and to RSVP:
https://evite.me/monicahiggins

Thank you all so much for your love and support.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 

Memory Tribute
If you would like to share a message, a memory, a photo, or a short video of Monica with the family, we have created a space where you can do so. It could be a small moment you remember, something that made you smile, a quality you admired, or what Monica meant to you. A few words, a quiet message, or a simple photo can mean so much.

Everything shared will remain private. These messages will not be shown during the celebration of life. They are being gathered for the family to spend time with quietly afterward, and will be brought together into a keepsake.

Click here to submit your video.
www.tribute.co/monica-higgins

Gallery

Videos

Memory wall

September 12, 2026

I worked with Monica for a full year at IRCC. I looked up to Monica for her incredible communication skills, her design knowledge and just her calm demeanour. She’s someone I always was excited to see and be around. One thing I especially loved was her love for her husband Brock and her little son. She spoke so highly of Brock and how he was always there to give her advice on all topics with the government (we were both new). I could also tell that she was just
in love with her family and it truly made me so happy and inspired to have children of my own.
I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing and I can only imagine how much she is missed. I’m am so so sorry for the loss of Monica. She has truly left a mark in this world and I will continue to pray for her and hope to be designing alongside her in our next life. All my love to the family.

Anne Bouvier

May 7, 2026

I worked with Monica only for a few months, but even in that short a time, I felt such a closeness with her. She radiated warmth, kindness, and brilliance. I looked forward to all my conversations with her as they were so fun and co-creative. She was a patient guide for me during my steep learning curve and put me at ease. I know we would have become even closer friends if only we had more time. I'm grateful to have known her and still feel her nourishing presence. Her loss is deeply felt, but so is her lasting positive impact and the warmth of her soul.

Jessica Fan

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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