HIGGINS, Colleen Kathy

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Sunday, September 1, 2013 - Colleen Kathy Higgins, 60, passed away Aug. 28, 2013 at her home in Lake Havasu City with her husband, daughter and grand-daughter by her side, after fighting a short, but courageous battle against cancer. She was born Aug. 6, 1953, in Chicago, Ill., to Edward and Fra (Hendrickson) Carlson. Colleen was raised in Chicago and attended Austin High School, later taking classes at Purdue University for accounting. She met the love of her life, Bruce Higgins, while they were both on vacation in Florida. They were married in Las Vegas, Nev., July 29, 1984, and raised their combined families in Lombard, Ill. Upon their retirement, they moved to Lake Havasu City in 2004. Colleen loved to travel and planned many exciting vacations over the years. She loved listening to oldies and was an avid reader, biographies being her favorite. Colleen enjoyed her many trips to Las Vegas, Laughlin and gift shopping for their granddaughter. She will be missed by her best friend and husband, Bruce; and all those whose life she touched. Colleen is survived by her beloved husband of 29 years, Bruce Higgins, of Lake Havasu City; daughter, Michelle (Raj) Gupta; granddaughter, Avery Gupta; son, Brian Handy; mother, Fra Carlson; brothers, Scott and Maxwell Carlson. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Carlson. Special thanks goes to New Hope Hospice for supplying such compassionate care in Colleen's final weeks. Cremation and private services will be held with interment in Chicago, Ill. Thoughts, memories and condolences can be sent directly to the family or through www.lakehavasumorturary.com. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.