Sue HIGGINS

HIGGINS, Suzanne Grace
March 10, 1935 – February 16, 2014
FAMILY GRIEVES THE LOSS OF ALDERMAN SUE HIGGINS
With profound sadness, the Higgins family confirms the passing of Sue Higgins. The 78 year-old former seven term Calgary Alderman lost her courageous battle with cancer, and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and loved ones. Sue received her education in High River and graduated from High River High School and then Henderson Business College in Calgary. She was married to John Higgins in 1960. Sue truly believed in giving back to her community which is demonstrated by her volunteerism and leadership given to numerous organizations, committees both political and non-political. Many accolades were given to Sue for her commitment to her city and province. She served as President of Calgary Cerebral Palsy, was Chairman of the Formation Committee for Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta, Director with the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Association, Residential Chairman for United Way, Calgary and Director for the Calgary Handi-Bus Association in 1972. She also served on the advisory committee with regard to the addition to the Children's Hospital and Gordon Townsend School, and acted as President on the Parents For Progress Organization and advisory committee for the Provincial Government. City politics became integral in Sue's life when she was elected as City of Calgary Alderman of Ward 14 from 1977 to 1983 and then again elected for Ward 12 from 1986 to 2001. She was the first woman to chair Standing Policy Committee on Financial & Budget Committee for the City of Calgary, also chaired the Audit and Land Committees along with serving on the City of Calgary Police Commission. Sue was the recipient of the Trustee of Alberta Award in 1987 for services as Library Trustee and also received the Canadian Commemorative Medal. Daughters Suzy, Lyn and Maureen Higgins reflected that their mom lived a very full life, and in her retirement years she remained active, spending time at home with her grandchildren, tending her garden, playing weekly bridge with friends, and continued to volunteer for the city on the Calgary Awards recognizing contributions by outstanding Calgarians. Sue was always willing to share her knowledge, experience and acumen to those who would ask. The family sincerely thanks all of the Calgarians who have offered their love and support for Sue during her illness, and the amazing staff at the Intercare Southwood Hospice who provided dedicated and compassionate care for Sue over the past 16 months. Sue is survived by her daughters Suzanne M. Higgins, Calgary, Evelyn (Marc) Zandvliet, Ottawa, Maureen E. Higgins (Morgan Holden), Calgary and by grandchildren Alex Erwin and his father Michael E. Erwin, Victoria, Eve Higgins, Calgary and Eric Zandvliet, Ottawa. Sue was predeceased by her husband John in 1984, her father Squadron Leader A. A. Leitch in 1954, mother Evelyn in 1999, sisters Eve in 1986 and Diane in 1979. Evening Prayers will be said at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church on Friday, February 21, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be said at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church on Saturday, February 22 at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Father Frank Feldmann, Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Calgary. If desired, memorial donations in Sue's memory may be made to the Calgary Handi-Bus Association, 231 – 37 Avenue N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 8JZ. SNODGRASS FUNERAL HOME LTD, High River (Telephone 403-652-2222) in care of arrangements.