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BORN
1932
DIED
2011
Marian Higgins Obituary
Des Moines
Marian Coppola Higgins, 78, died Saturday, July 2, 2011 during a trip to New Jersey. She was born September 16, 1932, to Italian immigrants, Emma and Eugene Coppola. Preceding her in death are three brothers, Frank, Joseph, and Tony and two sisters, Violet and Margaret. She is survived by her younger brother, Robert.
As a young girl, Marian worked in the family business, a grocery store on Forest Avenue. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1950, went to cosmetology school then worked at the "Beauty Spot" with her two sisters.
She wed Harold Higgins in 1958 and was widowed in 1979. She never remarried. "I married the best the first time," she would always say. Marian and Harold had five children: a daughter, Vianne Higgins of Denver, CO and four sons and their wives, Mike and Nancy Higgins of Florissant, MO, Dave and Julia Higgins of Studio City, CA, Steve and Ellen Higgins of Montclair, NJ and Al and Alysoun Higgins of Los Angeles, CA.
Her grandchildren are Andrew Higgins, Gabriel and Jane Higgins, Anna, John, William and Elliot Higgins and Katie, Mary and Sarah Higgins.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 29th. A memorial mass will take place on Saturday, July 30th at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of St. John's, 1915 University Avenue. Internment of her ashes will follow at Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Avenue. The family requests no flowers, but memorials may be directed to Iowa Public Radio.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/MarianHiggins/marianhigginsmemorial-iowapublicradio
Marian was a genuine, woman who was full of life. Her unconditional love was felt by all. She cherished her family, friends and neighbors, to whom her door was always open. She welcomed everyone to her kitchen table where she made you feel truly at home. She would offer you a hot cup of coffee, legendary pasta, and honest advice that let you know exactly where she stood, but at the same time, you knew she stood behind you one hundred percent.
The world lost an amazing woman. She was a mother to many and a friend to all. Marian is not just mourned by her family but everyone who was lucky enough to know her.
We love you, Ma.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marian Higgins
Sponsored by anonymous.
Marilan Tate
July 4, 2023
Oh what a GOOD time we had!! Working and Playing Cards with you I will never forget...MISS YOU..
Marilan Tate
July 4, 2019
OH Mar, that's what I called by best friend. I went to her memorial and was to choked up to speak. I miss her terribly, but oh what fun we had when she was alive. RIP "Mar" I think of you everyday!! Your would be So Proud of your children...
July 30, 2011
Steve and Ellen I am so so sorry for your loss. I would have been there in a minute but I am sorry i just found out about her passing. My prayers and my thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. xxoo Amy Wilson
Kimberly Ver Steeg
July 28, 2011
I'm sorry for your loss, and frustrated I cannot be there in Des Moines for the memorial. Although I am far away, your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God bless the Higgins family during this time of sorrow and remembering.
Nancy Higgins
July 25, 2011
I feel so thankful and blessed to be Marian's daughter-in-law. Because of her, I have my gift in Mike, Andrew and my whole family. She was a best friend who I will miss so much. My role model in so many ways: her unconditional love, wisdom, humor, patience, and kindness were evident everyday. She was my travel buddy and we laughed together so often on our many family vacations. She always made time for my phone calls and I knew she was there for me, would say the perfect words and always understood. What else can you ask for? I know she is in a place that she has no more pains and for that I am happy. Can't say goodbye, so until we meet again... love, Nancy
Jan and Ben Mulford
July 18, 2011
How do I say goodbye to my sister, my mentor, my friend? So many memories flood my mind from the early years of raising our seven awesome boys and one incredible girl to watching them all become the amazing adults they are now. From grieving Harold's loss to rejoicing that you have reunited with the love of your life. We have been blessed to know so much love and joy in our lives. Selfishly we wanted more and more time to enjoy our blessings and grow very old and become what we used to laugh about..but we were so rich in all the things that truly matter...to love and be loved..and you attained that so many times over.. I will miss you forever..but am so grateful for presence in all our lives.. Janie
Kristi Curto
July 15, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Kristi Curto
July 15, 2011
Always remember, when someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. Keep those wonderful memories close to your heart.
With heartfelt sympathy,
July 13, 2011
Sorry for your loss.I know how it feels.I lost my mom to cancer and it still hurts.My thought and prayers are with you. LOL Sandra Janes
Martha (Bauer) Mellecker
July 12, 2011
So sorry for your loss... your mother (and aunt Marg) were wonderful influences on me in my young life and I have always held special places for both of them in my heart. They are both missed deeply and sincerely and I feel your loss. My heart goes out to the whole Higgins family.
Barb Staggs
July 12, 2011
Thanks for always being there and listening.
Carol Ann Carlson
July 12, 2011
Marian was like a mother to me. We had many great times and she had plenty of "motherly" advice for me when raising my own boys! With that said she was also a great friend. She always let you know how it was and made no bones about how she let you know. I'll miss bartering with you Mare! I also learned from her that you need red in every room of your house and I have made sure that I do! I'll miss you Marian, enjoy watching over all your "children" from heaven above. Love You!!
Marilan Tate
July 12, 2011
We all need somone to talk to in our life, a good friend that you can tell all of your "Bad Secrets" to. Mar was that for me. We go way back. She was closer to me than a sister. We were "Running Buddies" and we had fun. She was a great joy in my life, and I am going to miss her more than you will ever know. Prayers to "Gods Special Blessing" and to her family. Love ya,
Diana Lippi in Betti
July 12, 2011
July 12
Marian, what special times we had with you and your lovely family in Italy. Such happiness with the Higgins family and friends was shared all together. You are a very special person and we all know that you were proud of your wonderful kids and their families who you can tell were raised by a special mom. Love from all of us: Diana, Nerio, and Jessica
Mari Stocker
July 11, 2011
Aunt Marian - who i want to be just like when i grow up.
Mary Kay Powers-Stashefsky
July 11, 2011
So good that wonderful people live on! Just look at Marian's children to see her strength & wisdom alive today. I had the pleasure of meeting Marian in Mike & Nancy's warm & inviting home several times and all said is so true. The good love in life once entered in your heart never leaves. Though missed dearly, I am sure she carries on with peace & joy for many generations.
Andy Mason
July 10, 2011
What a wonderful tribute. I wish I'd known her better, especially after learning so much more from all the wonderful stories and remembrances everyone has shared here and on Facebook. My condolences to Steve, Dave, and the whole Higgins family.
Peter Porto
July 10, 2011
Marian was one of the smartest and most gracious people I have had the pleasure of knowing. There were many times when I received great advice from her based on her understanding of how people work.
Sarah Hamilton Creighton
July 10, 2011
Mrs. Higgins will always be known to me and my family as incredibly generous, fun, an amazing cook, full of great stories, honest, caring and filled with love.
We will never forget her.
Much love to the family.
Lisa Morrison
July 10, 2011
Truly a wonderful neighbor and a great lady. I was fortunate to know her.
July 10, 2011
Marian was a dear, dear friend of my mother, Betty Sarcone, and of our family. She taught me how to make wine cookies, which were my father's, Gasper, favorite. We had such fun that evening and I always remember her when I make them. I know how deeply she will be missed by everyone, especially her family. There surely was a joyous reunion in heaven! Take care of each other, always. With love, Sara Sarcone Kern, Larkspur, CO.
Sara Houghton
July 10, 2011
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve & Sara Mishler Houghton
Toni Christine
July 10, 2011
Thank you Aunt Marian for leaving us with so many memories and so many smiles.
Sue Comito
July 10, 2011
Marion was truly one of a kind, this obituary completely captures the beauty of the woman who meant so much to so many people. She did speak the truth and did so with love and kindness that made you feel special when she offered it, whether solicited or not. Playing cards, having lunch.....anything with Marion was a special occasion. My heart goes out to her sons and daughter, her grandchildren, whom she treasured...this is a loss to many. Marion always grabbed me for a hug and kiss with a whispered "I love you, remember that"..I do Marion, thank you for all of the love you gave me, for being there, when I needed you the most. Love, Sue Comito. PS - if you are playing cards with Mother and the others now, tell mom she cannot blindly bid without looking at her cards first!!!
Monica Ortale
July 10, 2011
I will miss her stories and her words of wisdom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Judy Rabinovitz
July 10, 2011
I had the pleasure of visiting with Marian last summer when Dave & Steve performed here in D.M. It was quite evident her pride in all her children and what a light she obviously was in their lives. I know she will be greatly missed and I extend my condolences to the entire Higgins family. (trhs '81)
July 10, 2011
We are deeply sorry for your profound loss.
John & Arielina Larson
Julia Higgins
July 10, 2011
I love and miss my mother in law very much. This will be a difficult year for all that knew her.
Anita Cardamon
July 10, 2011
Marian will always be in my heart and I know we will have many more conversations.I will talk to her often and think of her always.
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