BOONE, Iowa—Funeral arrangements are being planned for 37 year old Amy Jo Higgins. She died December 29, 2021. Amy was the daughter of Ed and Jill (McPherson) Higgins of Boone, Iowa. Amy was born in Ames Iowa February 12, 1984. She grew up in Boone and graduated from Boone High School in 2002.
Amy attended and received a cosmetology license from PCI, Ames Iowa. She went on to further her education and graduated with a History degree from Iowa State University.
Amy had a passion for helping others in need. She excelled in her career as an ESL teacher at the Vietnamese Social Services in St Paul, Minnesota. Her students could feel her passion, and the classroom would erupt in laughter and excitement every day. Amy truly made a difference in the lives of her students. They loved and adored her dearly.
Amy loved art, music, dancing, baking and reading. Amy also loved nature! She enjoyed hiking trails, especially at the Ledges, with her dog Mischa. She was a self-taught plant forager and could identify various plant species and their characteristics.
Amy adored her family and friends, who will miss her terribly. She was a proud big sister and an even prouder aunt. Amy shared her love of baking and knitting with Alicia, and her love of history with Austin.
Amy was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Dorothy Higgins, and Claudette McPherson, grandfather Sam Higgins, aunt Trish Hirschberg, and uncle David Higgins.
Left behind to mourn are her parents, Ed and Jill Higgins, of Boone, sister Alicia (Joe) Druppel, Urbandale, brother Austin Higgins (Sarah) Des Moines, nephew Ayden Druppel, niece Emma Druppel, grandfather John (Maggie) McPherson, Boone, and various aunts, uncles, and cousins. Also, to mourn are Amy’s best friend Dennis Portz, and special friends Jennie, Emilie and JR.
Amy was a victim of psychological and emotional abuse which ultimately took her life. Amy’s family urges this message… if you see something, say something. Take action as soon as possible.
A memorial service with friends and family will be held at a later date outdoors in Nature. Memorials may be directed to the family in loving memory of Amy, or in Amy’s name to the Ledges, the Iowa Arboretum, or the Boone County Hospital’s Safe Room project. Amy’s wish would be for people to get out in nature, and plant something in her memory. In her words “go outside, and find me”.
Amy Jo Higgins, 37, formerly of Boone, Iowa
