Andrea Ann Huggins

She was born in Denver on Dec. 8, 1937, and her parents, Arthur and Edna Vining, moved to Cheyenne, Wyo., when she was 2 years old. She lived there the remainder of her formative years, an only child, and left for Denver after graduation from high school in 1956. She spent a year at Colorado Women’s College before going to work at the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles licensing department.

After moving to Evergreen, she worked at the Holly Berry flower shop in Evergreen for a few years before working for Mount Evans Hospice for 13 years, retiring in 1999.

Andrea loved the Mont Evans Hospice staff and was so convinced of the value of their work that she continued working as a volunteer for another 17 years to eventually receive an award for her 30 years of service as well as being named one of the volunteers of the year in 2016.

Concurrent with her Mount Evans work, she joined a local civic association, which evolved into her serving on the board of a newly established water and sewer district. During her tenure, the district was formed, financing was obtained and an extensive sewer system was installed. These were very difficult times dealing with difficult situations.

She was an avid reader, often reading two or more books a week. Latin was a fascination for her, and her penmanship resembled calligraphy. She was an inexhaustible, endlessly creative cook, making dinners that were excellent evening after evening. Her mother had been a life master at bridge, and Andy followed in her footsteps, becoming a life master in 1982.

Andrea‘s life cannot simply be defined by a list of accomplishments. A person’s life is more than that. What is more important is her character and personality. She was first a mother and wife, raising three successful children to adulthood. Friendships were made that lasted a lifetime, and they came from many social and financial levels; she was not quick to judge others.

Worrying about things one cannot control was considered a waste of time, and anger was rare, not lasting long when it occurred. She did not carry a grudge or envy others for their accomplishments. Probably her most commendable trait was her happy demeanor. These were some of the things that caused so many to love her.

Married to Robert Detwiler, she had two children, John Detwiler and Devin Detwiler. John, his wife Lucia and daughter Tia live in Perth, Australia, and son Jacob lives in Sydney, Australia. Devin Detwiler and her husband John Cunningham live in Lafayette, Colo. Their sons Sean and Derek are in college in Washington state and California.

A 49-year resident of Evergreen, she moved there after marrying Wendell Huggins in 1969. Their son, Jay Huggins, his wife Katherine, their children Mackenzie and Ely live in Evergreen.

A special thanks to the nurses, CNAs and social workers from Mount Evans Hospice. They were a Godsend to the family through difficult times. Andrea felt honored to be a part of the work Mount Evans Hospice was doing while she worked there, so in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice, 3081 Bergen Peak Drive, Evergreen, CO 80439.

A memorial service will be held at United Methodist Church of Evergreen at 2 p.m. July 28, 2018.