Kathleen Fiona Higgins

| May 14, 2014 6:00 AM

Beloved daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, niece, and friend, Kathleen Fiona Higgins passed away on May 5, 2014 in Boise, Idaho.

Kathleen was born in McCall, ID on October 4, 1989. She was the youngest of five siblings. Kathleen was raised in McCall; Dayton, NV; and Quincy, WA. She graduated from Quincy High School in 2008, and attended Washington State University. While at WSU, Kathleen played women's rugby, and helped her team earn the national title in 2010. She graduated from WSU in 2012, earning a Bachelor's degree in Communications with minors in Public Relations and Women's Studies. Upon earning her degree, Kathleen became a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Central Washington, where she worked with families to help provide parenting resources and transition services. At the same time, she worked for Grant County Mental Health, helping adults with disabilities. Kathleen worked for many years as a lifeguard and swim teacher in Quincy. She also wrote for the Quincy Post-Register newspaper.

Kathleen moved to Boise in 2013 to attend Boise State University in pursuit of a Master's degree in Social Work. She joined Boise Nemesis Rugby, where she was able to continue her love of the sport.

Kathleen loved riding with her father on his Harley. She attended the bike rally in Sturgis with him twice. As a teenager, she helped build a church in a village in Burkina Faso, Africa. Kathleen also lobbied for American Indian education on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. She sought adventure, never shying away from exciting and challenging experiences.

Kathleen was a passionate woman. She was an outspoken advocate for human rights. Kathleen's dream was to become a social worker and work with victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution.

Kathleen is survived by her parents, Bill and Tracy of Quincy, WA; her siblings: Michael of Pullman, WA; Megan of Reno, NV; Brian (Sara) of Wenatchee, WA; and Patrick (Shelly) of Henderson, NV; her niece, Paige; her grandparents, Ken and Donna Webb of Weiser, ID; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kathleen will be missed immensely. She was a vivacious, beautiful woman who cared deeply about those she loved. Kathleen was brassy, smart, and tough. Her friends appreciated and respected her no-nonsense attitude and sound, honest advice. Kathleen's impact on her family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances was tremendous and unforgettable.

A memorial service will take place at First Baptist Church in Quincy, WA at 707 J Street SW on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations are welcome and appreciated:

Boise Nemesis Rugby

In Memory of Kathleen Higgins

735 East State Street

Boise, ID 83712

Washington State University Women's Rugby

In Memory of Kathleen Higgins

P.O. Box 641925

Pullman, WA 99164-1925