Rhonda Whipple Higginbottom

Rhonda Whipple Higginbottom, 75, of Easton, MD passed away on October 7 2023 at the University of Maryland Hospital in Easton, MD from cardiac complications. She was surrounded by many family members including her husband, Dr. Mark Higginbottom, her three sons, wives, families, and her sister. Rhonda was born on August 31, 1948 in Avon, New York to Walton and Isabelle Whipple. After graduation from high school, she attended Syracuse University in the Nursing Program, receiving her B.S. degree in 1970. She remained at Syracuse University to receive her M.S. degree in Nursing Education, specializing in Medical-Surgical Nursing in 1972. While she was at Syracuse, she met the love of her life, Mark Higginbottom in 1967 while singing in the Chapel Choir. They were married in June of 1974 in Avon, New York and had three children: Dr. Ryan Higginbottom (Leanne), Dr. Erik Higginbottom (Melissa), and Dr. Kyle Higginbottom (Lindsey). She is survived by those families, seven grandchildren: Caroline, Lorelai, Grant, Chad, Aubrey, Miles, and Knox, a sister D. Loren Whipple from Bonita Springs Florida, and many loving cousins. Rhonda loved her nursing career and worked in many capacities to serve her patients: Charge Nurse at Bryn Mayr Hospital, Visiting Nurse outside Philadelphia, Teaching at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, Teaching at Salisbury University School of Nursing, and most recently serving as the facilitator for the Child Loss Support Group (30 years). Rhonda was a prominent figure in the development of the Child Loss Support Group and spent many hours contributing to the coordination and formation of the Child Loss Garden on Oxford Road. Her talents were many and served so many people with her wonderful ability to listen, to smile, not to pass judgement, and to give herself to the community. She loved her family and her grandchildren tremendously and would not give up any opportunity to be with them, babysit them, or to support them. They nicknamed her “Giya” and she loved them ever so dearly! Her time was spent with her family, traveling, making animals for the grandchildren, reading, gardening, and with her husband, Mark. The memorial service with be held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Burial will be private. Any contributions you wish to make should be directed to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 100 Peachblossom Road, Easton, MD or to the Child Loss Support Group c/o Talbot County Hospice on Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD.

Rhonda Whipple Higginbottom

August 31, 1948 - October 7, 2023