July 6, 1932 - May 25, 2013 SOUTH BEND - Suzanne Mulvihill Higdon, 80, of West Des Moines, IA, formerly of South Bend, IN, passed away on May 25, 2013. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on May 30, 2013, at St. Patrick's Irish Settlement, Cumming, IA, with visitation at 9:30 AM before the funeral Mass. Fr. Jim Kiernan will be officiating. Suzanne was born in Des Moines, IA, on July 6, 1932. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy and attended St. Mary's College in South Bend, IN. She received her bachelor's degree from Clark College in Dubuque, IA, and her Master's Degree in English from Northern Illinois University. Suzanne was a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for 15 years. While in the convent she taught high school English. Suzanne married Harry Higdon at St. Patrick's Church in 1972. Harry passed away in 1998. Suzanne worked for Bayer Pharmaceutical in Elkhart, IN, for 25 years, retiring in 1998. She wrote product literature and produced instructional videos. She enjoyed golf (including 3 holes-in-one), sailing, and participated in several reading groups in the South Bend area. She and Harry were avid Notre Dame fans, a love that continued until her death. Suzanne is survived by her brothers, Dan (Mary) of LaJolla, CA, Mark (Jeanine) of West Des Moines, IA, and Robert (Josetta) of Cumming, IA; and sister-in-law, Pat Mulvihill of Des Moines. She is also survived by stepson, Dennis Higdon (Ellen) of Elkhart, IN; and grandchildren, Brian and Clare; and other family and friends. Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Higdon; her parents, Katherine and James Mulvihill; her sisters, Mary K. Darnell and Sister Sheila Mulvihill; her brothers, James and Jack Mulvihill; nieces, Suzanne Phelan and Patty Mulvihill; and nephew, Kevin Mulvihill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St Patrick's Church, Cumming, IA, or St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN. The family of Suzanne wishes to thank the staff of Arbor Springs in West Des Moines, IA, and Hospice of Central IA for outstanding care. .
Published in South Bend Tribune from May 26 to May 29, 2013