Mary Lou Hoffman Higgins passed away peacefully on August 14, 2022. She was born
on December 6, 1930 in Superior, Nebraska.
She was preceded in death by her husband Henry "Hank" Higgins and her daughter
Shawn Marie "Hugo" Higgins, her mother Mary, her father David, and her sisters Bette
Shubat and Dorothy Benoit.
She is survived by her daughter Terese Higgins, her son, HT Higgins (Stacey), her
granddaughters Christina Wold (Nick), Whitney Larios, and Megan Higgins, and her
great-grandchildren Griffen, Illiana, Lucy, Eva, Cassius, and Sophia; and her sister Kay
Smith and numerous cousins.
The Higgins family is grateful to Polly McBride for her many years of devoted service to
Mary Lou as well as the Hospice House of Spokane for their amazing care of Mary Lou
in her final days.
Grandma had a unique love connection with her three granddaughters from the time
they were babies and into their adult lives. The following reflections best describe who
she was to those who love her.
"Mary Lou, also known as Melster, had a deep love for listening to Frank Sinatra, while
baking sugar cookies and preparing dinner with the best fruit salad and parmesan
chicken for her family. She loved to travel and would take her granddaughters on
adventures of a lifetime. From San Francisco to Washington D.C. and her favorite: the
Oregon Coast. She never lost a desire to see the world and share it with her family! In
her later years, she gave her heart to volunteering in Megatoon's classroom. She
always made sure they got "enough" frosting to decorate every seasonal cookie, while
reading to them her favorite children's book." Megan
"She valued her faith and education and instilled that in her children, grandchildren and
great grandchildren. She would send her great grandchildren books to flourish her love
of reading from a young age. Her strong sense of faith is something she modeled for
her family up until her last days. Beyond her continued encouragement to have a strong
faith and value of education for her family, she was always present for their events,
games, performances and presentations. She always showed up for her family."
Whitney
"Our love for Gigi was deeply rooted in fudgsicles, Nordstrom visits, and the best back
rubs. Her love for us was deeply rooted in being our biggest fan, a deep sense of pride,
and the best vacation memories. Together, we lived a life blessed with quality time, and
the memories forged together in simple moments—like learning to swim in the big white

house or eating goldfish in the den—will sustain our profound love for Gigi. Her great
grandkids were especially lucky to know the very best of Gigi: her unwavering
dedication to being the best grandmother. She cared about making each of her
grandkids feel special in their own way. She was known to follow up on the latest
Facebook post, always keeping herself up to speed on the latest gossip, and you could
count on receiving the latest issue of People magazine in any care package. She made
the best eggs, loved merlot and Bulleit, and was never afraid to tell it like it is. Her
granddaughters are so very proud to carry on her legacy, and will do so with a deep
sense of purpose and love." Christina

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to the American Diabetes
Association.