June 17, 1947 – Nov. 21, 2019

Betsy passed away at her home in Borrego Springs from complications related to pancreatic cancer after battling her disease for six months.

Betsy was born on June 17, 1947 in Lafayette, Indiana to parents Lawrence E. (Larry) Higgins and Elizabeth (Libby) Feik Higgins, while her father was a student at Purdue University.

The family soon relocated to South Milwaukee, Wisconsin and later moved cross-country to Southern California in 1961.

She was a 1969 honors graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. After graduation, Betsy remained in Santa Barbara where her daughters were born and spent their early years.

Her girls were the love and focus of her life. Sarah, husband John and grandson Brian; Jenny, husband Aaron and granddaughter Katelyn will miss her love and devotion immensely.

Preceded in death by her father Larry, she is survived by her mother Libby, a current resident of La Mision, Baja California, Mexico, as well as her sisters and brother.

Betsy was a cherished big sister and mentor to sisters Kathy Higgins, Ann (Bunny) McCabe and brother Bill Higgins.

Betsy and Bunny both retired in Borrego, and shared many good times – road trips, gardening, laughing and just enjoying life together. Borrego Springs has held a special place in the hearts of the extended Higgins family since Larry and Libby retired there in 1985. Many joyful experiences are now memories that her family will cherish forever.

Betsy worked as a systems analyst for Accela, Inc., a software development company, for nearly 20 years. Rather than working behind a computer, she was the face of the company, working with clients to customize software products. Her expertise was in client relations and she especially enjoyed working, traveling and interacting with people in cities across the U.S. and China.

Since moving to Borrego six years ago, Betsy was an active community member who found a second "family" when she joined the team at Kesling's Kitchen. She felt a special connection with her beloved co-workers there.

Forever beautiful and vibrant, with a boundless love for life and those she loved, Betsy will be truly missed by her family and friends.

Please consider a donation in her memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) or the American Cancer Society.