Iris Joan Higgs (nee Spencer) passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026. Predeceased by her husband James (Jim) in 2009 and her parents, May (1993) and William (1993) Spencer. Dear mother of Joan (Gord Spielmann) and Richard (Leslie nee Sebben) and loving grandma to Matthew, Jefferey and Nathan Higgs.
Iris was born in South Battersea, England on May 31st, 1935, where she grew up with her friend Anna dancing the jitterbug at the Wimbledon Palace on Saturday nights and according to Anna, where they were very popular. Iris demonstrated her strong independent personality by following her then boyfriend Jim to Canada in 1957 where they were married in Bowmanville in 1958. They began their family when Joan arrived a year later and Richard a few years after that, living in Oshawa and moving to Bowmanville in 1975 where they remained and the kids grew up.
Iris was a dedicated salesperson in the ‘upstairs shop’ at Rickaby’s in downtown Bowmanville for many years and expressed her love of gardening with an enviable garden that was admired by many people that passed by on Concession Street, then a sleepy road that Richard would play football on. Retiring when Jim required help at home, Iris dedicated herself to meticulously taking care of her beloved gardens and property, even raking those dastardly leaves into her 90’s.
Iris will be fondly remembered by her beloved friend of 86 years Anna Deacon of Hampton, England and her cousin and friend since childhood, Madeleine Katavolos of Pinehurst, North Carolina as well as many longtime residents of Bowmanville and many nieces and nephews in England.
Visitation will be held on Monday November 23rd 2026, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home, 53 Division Street, Bowmanville, followed by a memorial service from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Light refreshments and snacks will be served during the visitation.
