Yvonne Higgs 65, former Calexico resident
1951 - 2017
Yvonne de Necochea Higgs passed away peacefully, with her children by her side, on March 3rd, 2017 after a three-month battle with glioblastoma. Born in Calexico, CA, Yvonne was the daughter of Margarita Padilla de Necochea and Fernando de Necochea, who predeceased her. She is survived by her two children Marisa (“Kiska”) and Alexander Higgs, as well as her brothers Fernando, Gordy, and Bobby, and sisters Margarita McCollum, Gloria de Necochea, and Michelle Hall.
Yvonne graduated with honors from Calexico High School in 1969, where she was Head Song Leader and Imperial Valley delegate to California Girls State in Sacramento, sponsored by the American Legion. She then was awarded a full scholarship to Vassar College, graduating magna cum laude in 1973 with a B.A. in Art History. After being featured in the Seventeen magazine college issue, she declined offers to pursue modeling, and instead moved to New York City to work at Halston, a leading fashion designer. Yvonne later returned to California, worked several years as a senior academic advisor for UCSD, and married Craig Higgs in 1976.
She later resided in Encinitas, California, where as a single parent she raised and nurtured her children, serving as an active volunteer in their schools. She took them to museums often, and instilled in them her lifelong appreciation of literature, art, film, and music. Although she was known for her thoughtfulness, gentleness, and intelligence, she also had a dry sense of humor. Yvonne enjoyed painting, and excelled in fine furniture and home restoration, becoming an able do-it-yourselfer for many of her home repairs.
Yvonne served as President of the Vassar Club of San Diego, was active in the Bishops School Parents Association, volunteered many years with the National Charity League, North County Chapter, and served as a board member of the Calexico Carnegie Technology Center.
She was throughout her life much appreciated for her countless acts of kindness to extended family and friends.
Her family wishes to thank relatives as well as childhood and college friends for their loving thoughts and prayers. She treasured visits from her children, family, and close friends who spent time with her during her final months.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2017, at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla, CA. Yvonne was much loved and will be deeply missed, and always in our hearts.