Nancy Higgins died peacefully on December 28, 2025 after a long, courageous battle with dementia. She was 72.
Nancy was born September 18, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, the second of four children to John F. Higgins, Jr. and Bea Higgins. She attended St. Ann Catholic School and graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1972 where she made lifelong friends who loved and supported Nancy and her family during this long, difficult journey.
Nancy earned her Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude from Saint Louis University in 1993 and her Master of Arts degree in Media Communications from Webster University in 2005.
Nancy had a varied career full of accomplishments including a bustling stint as Director of Marketing for Library, Ltd., one of the largest independent book stores in the U.S. It was here that she combined her love of books with creating memorable events. She hosted many famous authors including, to name just a few, Stephen King, Former First Lady Hillary Clinton, and Captain Kangaroo.
Nancy’s final career stop was at Webster University where she held her dream job for many years. As the Director of Ceremonies, Events and Protocol, she created beautiful, impressive events promoting all aspects of the university’s position in the community. Nancy loved a challenge and producing Webster’s graduation ceremonies was just that. Seeing students having fun with their families and friends as they celebrated their successes filled Nancy with joy and purpose. Nancy didn’t just work, she made a difference. She received the Webster University Staff Member of the Year award in 2019 and retired later that year.
Nancy loved Cardinal Baseball, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Among St. Louis’s biggest fans, Nancy wrote a published Op Ed about Forest Park where she worked part-time in the Visitors Center after retirement. She was a creative soul knitting beautiful scarves, making fun, kitschy décor out of thrifted items, and writing heartfelt personal notes. Nancy’s spirit came through in everything she touched.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, John and Bea Higgins, her niece, Amy Higgins, and her beloved fur baby, Booker. She is survived by her brothers, John and Jim Higgins and her sister, Patti (Steve) Lewis, her nephew, Derek Lewis and nieces, Sarah (Joe) Curley, Katie Higgins, and great-niece, Karley Jones. She is lovingly remembered by countless friends, neighbors, and co-workers near and far who stayed in touch over the years and supported her in the last few years with visits, texts, pictures, cards, stories, and many prayers.
A special thanks to the staff at Fairmont Senior Services on Clayton for their patient and kind care, especially Micky Palmer who loved her like a sister and willingly put up with Nancy taking over her office each day. Thanks also go to the Mercy Hospice Team for their tender and compassionate care.
Nancy loved learning and education and she asked that her body be donated to Washington University School of Medicine so that others may learn from her. According to her “….it’s the only way I’ll ever get into Wash U!”
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 7530 Natural Bridge Road, Normandy, Missouri 63121. Arrangements are in the care of Kutis Funeral Home, Inc. Online condolences may be shared below. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Forest Park Forever or a charity of your choice.
Nancy was a kind person and will be missed with smile and laugh❤️
I met Nancy when she attended her first Toastmaster Meeting in Clayton, MO. I was the greeter that evening and Nancy and I were friends from that day forward.
I always admired her leadership, self-confidence, and ability to always land on her feet with a new job or skill,
She will certainly be missed by many.
Nancy was such a joy to know and to join at the many events she planned for her friends.
I’ll never forget the Christmas we drove around looking at lights, then chose one family to award the “George Bailey Christmas Lights Trophy.”
Patti, John & Jim, I am saddened by your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I met Nancy a very long time ago when we spent our days at Norwood swimming, playing golf, and having all sorts of fun. I would see Nancy now and again throughout my life but talked with her and met with her after my mother passed away in 2015. Nancy had met her through my mother’s job. What a great lady Nancy was. I think of her often. God’s Peace and comfort to the family.