Susan Hiegel

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Susan Eileen Massey Hiegel on May 15, 2026, at the age of 76, in Richardson, Texas. Susan was born on August 27, 1949, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, to Thomas and Sue Massey.

Throughout her childhood, she moved many times before eventually settling in Texas after the death of her father in 1962. Her mother, Sue, later remarried James Moore, who became an

important part of Susan’s life. Susan graduated from Kimball High School in 1967 and then the University of North Texas

where she earned her master’s degree in psychology. Her love of caring for others was evident through her work in the field of geriatrics, where she compassionately served elderly patients

and their families for many years. She worked for Dallas county MHMR. She held her own private practice. She guided newly licensed LPC counselors as they started their own

careers. She also continued to serve the older community by volunteering at Irving Heritage Senior Center. Susan was known for her servant’s heart and her desire to care for and provide for others. She was hardworking, kind, and generous, always finding thoughtful ways to make people feel special and loved. She enjoyed reading, traveling, hot air balloons, lighthouses, spending time

with her beloved dogs Buddy and Blake, and cheering on the Texas Rangers baseball team. One of the greatest joys of her life was volunteering at the ballpark, where she found both purpose and community. On February 16, 1968, Susan married Robert Vincent Hiegel, Sr., and together they raised their four children in Duncanville, Texas, where they lived for 25 years. Family was at the center of Susan’s life, and she treasured camping and road trips, holidays, attending Elmwood United Methodist Church in Oak Cliff and time spent together creating lasting memories.

She is survived by her brother Thomas Lee Massey, Sr.; her former spouse, Robert Vincent Hiegel, Sr. of Gainesville, Tx; her children: Robert Vincent Hiegel, Jr. (Susanne) of Sugar Land,

Texas; Christopher Lee Hiegel (Shannon) of Gainesville, Texas; Katharyn Irene Hiegel of Denton, Texas; and Cari Lynn LaCroix (Corby) of Columbus, Ohio. She was affectionately

known as Grammy to grandchildren Ashlyn Maureen Hiegel, Ryan James Hiegel, Colten Lee Hiegel (Logan), John Weston Hiegel (Bethany), Emma Jo Pearman (Hayden), Jacob Dean

LaCroix (Erin), Abigail Katharyn LaCroix, Kate Leighann LaCroix; and great grandchildren, Cason, Wyatt, Wade, Hannah and Phoebe.

Also survived by her nieces and nephews, Bridie Christina Massey Dick (Robert), Jenny Lee Massey, Elaine Marie Massey (Tom), and Thomas Lee Massey, Jr.; and numerous great- nieces

and great-nephews. Susan had many friends who meant so much to her and enriched her life. Those include Phyllis,

Edith, Trish and Mike, Katie and Dave, Ellen and Sally, Trayce and Linda. Last but not least her dearest companion Terri Lane. The family would like to thank Terri, for serving as caregiver. Terri allowed Susan to leave this world on her own terms, with the same strength and dignity that marked her life. She was preceded in death by her father Thomas Jefferson Massey, her mother Sue Betty Moore and step-father, James Carey Moore, and her grandmother Rebye Nash Shepard. Susan’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who love her.