Sandra Doyle Higgins

Sandra Doyle Higgins died on November 27, 2025, on Hilton Head Island, SC. She was 91.

Sandra, "Sandy" was born on January 13, 1934, in Norfolk, VA to her parents Ashton and Geralyn Doyle. She graduated from William and Mary in 1955. The day after she graduated, she married Richard, "Dick" Higgins. After a few years in Richmond, VA, the Higgins moved to New England where Dick was a college professor at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and Sandra taught elementary school for many years at the Pollard Elementary School in Plaistow, NH. She retired in 1982, and Dick and Sandra moved to Lausanne, Switzerland. Dick taught as a visiting professor at IMEDE, and they traveled extensively throughout Europe and made many lifelong friendships. Upon returning to the United States, Sandra was instrumental to the launching of Dick's consulting business. In addition, she had a variety of interests including gardening, horseback riding, singing, painting, mahjong, golf, tennis and entertaining. She was an active member of the Garden Club, the House Tour committee, the Sea Pines Country Club, and the First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Choir. The highlight of her singing career occurred in 2017, when she participated in the Choir's singing performance in Carnegie Hall.

She was a perpetually optimistic, energetic and gracious woman, who was happiest when surrounded by people. At the same time, she was an incredibly strong person who stood up for what she believed in…always. As with Dick, "she did it her way."

Sandra was loved by all that knew her, friends, neighbors and especially her family. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ted and Maria Higgins of Sunapee, NH; her daughter and son-in-law, Dale and Rob Parda of Lancaster, MA, and was a loving grandmother to her five grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dick, and her sister Jane Hill.

Mrs. Higgins will be buried in a private ceremony. A memorial service will take place on January 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head located at 540 William Hilton Parkway. A reception will follow from 12-2 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sandra Higgins' life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hilton Head Humane Society (MAKE A DONATION), as Mrs. Higgins was a lifelong lover of animals.