SMYRNA and CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Gertrude Higgins Ficocelli, 93, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2005. She was born in Smyrna. She had been a resident of Coral Springs since 1999, living with her daughter, Donna. Teacher, artist, carpenter, naturalist, and storyteller extraordinaire, she preferred to be known as shepherdess. She was predeceased by her husband, Carmine. She is survived by her children, Donna F. (Bart) Meyers of Coral Springs, Fla., Trudy A. (David) Elliott of San Angelo, Texas, and Carmine V. (Gini) Ficocelli of St. Peter’s, Mo.; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild, sisters, Dorothy Smith, Dora Akeley, Charlotte Short; and by her brother, Fred S. Higgins. Visitation was held at Coral Springs, Fla. Graveside committal will be 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at Smyrna Mill Cemetery, with the Rev. Dale Holden officiating. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home.