Betty Sue Higgins

It is with deep sadness that the family of Betty Sue Higgins announce her passing in Albuquerque on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the age of 88. Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Bruce, in 2021. Sue is survived by her three children and their spouses/partners Janet (Robert), Jim (Suzzette), Jeff (Terri); five grandchildren Cortney (Christopher), Cory (Angilece), Hayley (Kyle), AJ, Jake (Tamara); and three great-grandchildren Connor, Lyla and Levi. Sue was born in Louisville, Kentucky, where she was a southern girl with a cute accent who enjoyed socializing with family and friends. Sue never met a stranger!

After spending her early teenage years in Dallas, Sue moved to Albuquerque with her parents when she was 15. As fate would have it, there was a handsome young man named Bruce who lived next door, and the rest is history!

Sue was the quintessential 50s/60s housewife and mother to her children. Many family friends nicknamed the Higgins family the "Leave it to Beaver" family. Sue loved to read, cook, sew, and plant flowers. She was outdoorsy and camped in tents, tent-trailers and RVs. She loved cross-country skiing with Bruce, family and friends. She was famous for baking her homemade goodies at Christmas; especially her delicious peanut brittle and chocolate fudge!

The late '60s/early 70s civil/cultural revolutions made an impact and Sue enrolled at the University of New Mexico (UNM), and achieved both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education, Guidance and Counseling. Educating future generations of children and families became her passion, and she worked for the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) for 30 years before retiring.

Sue and Bruce also supported Lobo Basketball with season tickets for 50+ years following the Lobos from Johnson Gym to the PIT!

Some of Sue and Bruce's happiest times were their travels, that included RV trips to Alaska, the east coast and New England, Las Vegas and Laughlin where Sue loved playing the slot machines; plus fun times RVing with their grandchildren to Disneyland, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Carlsbad Caverns and to numerous NM and Colorado lakes and mountain campgrounds. Sue also enjoyed outings with her girlfriends, including traveling to England, Scotland, Ireland. Her biggest adventure was with Bruce to Dubai to visit their dear friends who worked at the university.

Sue loved to eat, drink and be merry! Any occasion was a cause to celebrate including birthdays, holidays, change of seasons, and many backyard barbecues. Anytime was the right time for a toast and for happy hour!

Sue could reframe a negative into a positive, and always focus on the bright side of life! She was her own person, yet she embodied the traits of a Super Woman being a model wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. Sue was a true, all-American woman who always gave more than 100% working a full time job outside the home, yet keeping her life centered around the well-being of her family, friends and community, plus always working on her own personal growth and development.

This love and respect for family and community are filled with knowledge and treasured lessons shared by Sue throughout her lifetime to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for which they are eternally indebted.

Sue will be sorely missed; but with every sunrise, sunset, mountain top and cool breeze, we will feel her spirit and her presence, and she will live in our hearts forever.

Honoring Sue, memorial donations can be made in Sue's name to any organization that supports the education and protection of women and children. Additionally, honorary contributions can be made to help cure Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Alzheimer's disease, and bone diseases such as osteoporosis, spinal stenosis and scoliosis.

Special thanks from the Higgins Family to the wonderful and compassionate staff at Presbyterian Hospital Emergency Room, Morada Assisted Living, and Los Andes Hospice Care as they supported Sue and our family through this trying time.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service at the Sunset Memorial Chapel, and Interment of Ashes will take place in the Rose Garden at Sunset Memorial Park.

MEMORIAL and INTERMENT

Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 am