Carmel Higgins

Rose Carmel Bronger Higgins passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in San Marino, California, at the age of 93, while she was surrounded by her family. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Carmel lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and deep love for her family and community.

Born on September 2, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky, Carmel was the daughter of Clifford Paul Bronger and Mary Ellen Fallon Bronger. She was raised in a close-knit family and received her early education at the Ursuline Academy of the Immaculate Reception in Louisville. Driven by a calling to care for others, she pursued higher education at Saint Joseph's Hospital and the Nazareth School of Nursing, where she earned her credentials to become a Registered Nurse, through which she would touch countless lives.

Carmel's nursing career was both long and distinguished. She served with unwavering dedication at City View Hospital in Los Angeles, California, where she became known not only for her clinical skill but also for the warmth and kindness she extended to every patient. Her ability to provide comfort, reassurance, and loving care made her a cherished presence among patients and their families alike.

In addition to her many professional accomplishments, Carmel found profound joy in her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She shared 62 loving years of marriage with her husband Charles, and she was by his side, comforting him as he took his final breath. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around their five children: Paula, Mary Ann, Chuck (Jenna), Tim (Rosalie), and daughter Kelly (Rocky). Carmel's legacy continues to shine brightly through her ten beloved grandchildren: Lindsay, Olga, Nina, Kelsey, Brittany, Luke, Nathaniel, Kaithlyn, Harrison, and Jackson. To each of her grandchildren, Carmel was affectionately known as "Mammaw," which was a title she was extremely proud of.

Family was always at the heart of Carmel's life. Her happiest moments were those spent making memories with her loved ones. She especially cherished the precious moments and milestones celebrated with her grandchildren. Carmel was an avid bridge player and a member of the Arcadia Bridge Center as well as the Pasadena Bridge Club. She enjoyed hosting special events with her Bridge family at her home in South Pasadena. Her competitive spirit also shone through during Bingo nights at Ivy Park, where she became legendary among the residents and staff. In quieter moments, Carmel found peace tending to the hummingbirds that frequently visited the feeders she maintained outside her window at home. It gave Carmel joy to observe the hummingbirds gather and enjoy the nourishment she would prepare for them daily.

A woman of deep faith, Carmel was a lifelong member of the Holy Family Church in South Pasadena. Alongside her husband Charles, she volunteered tirelessly over the years and was an active member of the 50+ Club. Together, they enjoyed serving hot lunches to the elementary students every Wednesday afternoon. Carmel also served as the volunteer school nurse one day each week, serving the needs of the students at the Holy Family Catholic Church. She also volunteered her time and effort serving on the PTA at the Monterrey Hills Elementary School. Her devotion to service extended beyond the hospital walls into her church and school, which gave her peace of mind and purpose.

Carmel will be remembered for her spiritual heart, steadfast devotion to those she loved, and the gentle strength with which she lived each and every day. Her graciousness and generosity enriched the lives of all who were fortunate to have known her. Carmel is survived by her beloved sisters Nora Ann and Mary Bonita. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 62 years, Charles, her siblings Nick, Patrick, Marty, Jerry, and Mary Rita. Just as Carmel was loved, she loved others unconditionally.

A special funeral Mass was held at the Holy Family Church in South Pasadena, California. There was also a Celebration of Life Memorial Service dedicated to Carmel in loving memory of her life and legacy.

May the memory of Rose Carmel Bronger Higgins be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were blessed to have known her.