Eleanor Higson

1927-2024 (Age 97 years) Born in Omaha, NE to a father of Danish, and mother of Norwegian and English descent, Eleanor Beata Jessen lived a traditional Midwestern childhood until the premature death of her father, and her own onset of severe asthma. This necessitated a move with her mother and brother to the drier air of Pasadena for her teen years, attending Westridge School. Many lifelong friendships began there, later at UC Berkeley, and then through her work at UCSF hospital.

When future husband Jack Higson entered the scene, life changed greatly again. A Piedmont native, he was familiar with the territory but longed for the charms and romance of other lands. After their marriage in 1953, they would spend many years traveling, especially through Europe, but the focus was always Italy, highlighted by 2 separate years in Florence, with their 3 boys in tow. But from 1959 on, Eleanor and Jack lived and worked in Lafayette, later building a beautiful second home in Carmel.

Eleanor was an energetic, dynamic presence, gregarious and hospitable to family and friends, whom she hosted for many holidays and special events. She loved people, often indulging her views on their attributes and peculiarities, and at times passing judgment - out loud! She ran a tight-ship, doing all things domestic for her family.

She was a devoted member of the Piedmont Garden Club, reflecting a passionate love for her own cherished garden in Lafayette, spent 25 years giving docent tours at the de Young and Legion of Honor museums, and enjoyed partnering with Jack for many bridge games. Organized and disciplined, she often remarked “all systems are go!” or, in the whirlwind of a hectic household, could be heard to sing out “order out of chaos, chaos out of ooooorder!” with characteristic warmth and optimism.

Eleanor is survived by her sons, John of Seattle, Howard (Lynda) of Sebastopol, and Richard (Isabelle) of San Francisco, her granddaughters, Maria and Sara, and many nieces and nephews from the family of her late brother, Howard Jessen, in the Chicago area. Predeceased in death by... just about everybody she knew. She was a survivor.

No services will be held.