Camel Bronger Higgins

Rose Carmel Bronger Higgins, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in San Marino, California, at the age of 93 surrounded by her loving 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 the Saint Joseph's Hospital and the Nazareth School of Nursing where she earned her credentials and 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 Kelly (Rocky). Carmel's legacy continues to shine brightly on 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 that she cherished and 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 10 grandchildren. Carmel

was an avid bridge player and member of the Arcadia Bridge Center as well as the Pasadena Bridge Club. She would also host special events in her South Pasadena home. Her dedication to playing bridge contributed to her high level of cognitive capability throughout her lifetime. Her competitive spirit also shone through during Bingo nights at Ivy Park, where Carmel became legendary among the staff and residents. In quieter moments, Carmel found peace while tending to the hummingbirds that frequently visited the feeders she maintained outside her window at home. It would warm her heart to watch them 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 a faithful member of the 50+ club. Together they enjoyed serving hot lunches to the students every Wednesday afternoon. Carmel also served as the voluntary nurse one day each week serving the needs of the school children at Holy Family Catholic School. She volunteered her time and effort while serving on the Monterrey Hills Elementary School PTA. Her commitment to service extended beyond the hospital walls into her church and every facet of her life 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 husband of 62 years Charles, her brothers Nick, Pat, Marty, Jerry and her beloved sister Mary Rita. Just as Carmel was loved, she also loved others unconditionally.

A special funeral Mass was held at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena, California with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service dedicated to Carmel in loving memory of her beautiful life and legacy. Details regarding dates and times of these events will be shared with family and friends.

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