SILVERDALE — Emerald Heights Elementary School teacher Amy Lane Higgins loved children.

She loved to teach, and especially loved helping them learn to read. She had been doing it for 27 years, her husband Pat said.

“She found satisfaction and [had] a glow when she talked about helping a child,” her husband said.

She loved them so much that even after her passing she helped one more child.

On March 17, Amy Lane Higgins was struck and killed by a car while she was out jogging in the area of Greaves Way NW and Old Frontier Road NW. Her memorial service took place on March 23 at GracePoint Church, 8278 Highway 303, Bremerton. Many of her old students attended, coming from as far away as Chicago and Florida. Twelve of their oldest son’s friends at Gonzaga flew back with him, stayed for three days to be with him, her husband said.

Amy Lane Higgins’ life was cut short; her love wasn’t.

“She was an organ donor,” Pat said, recalling how the coroner had called and asked if they could harvest Amy’s corneas.

There was a little girl who needed the corneas, the coroner said.

“She found just huge joy and satisfaction in teaching kids to read,” said Pat, choking back tears.

“I like to think how happy she would be to know that she helped one more child.”

According to the school district, Higgins worked for the Central Kitsap School District for 27 years, teaching at Clear Creek, Woodlands and Emerald Heights elementary schools.

“She had many friends throughout our district and community,” the district stated after the fatal crash.

“Counselors were available for students and staff. We will also plan ongoing supports as needed. We are here to support students, staff and families during this difficult time.”

According to the Sheriff’s Department, the collision occurred during hours of darkness when Higgins, “attired in a reflective vest and carrying a flashlight, started to cross Greaves Way from the south, toward Old Frontier Road, in a marked crosswalk on the east side of the intersection.”

“A witness reported observing two vehicles approaching southbound on Greaves Way — one in the right turn channel lane and the Chrysler following behind in the thru lane. The Chrysler struck Ms. Higgins in the southbound thru lane of travel.”

The driver, a 24-year-old man from East Bremerton, voluntarily provided a blood draw, was interviewed at the scene by traffic investigators and released.

No decision has been made regarding charges, as the investigation is not yet complete and lab results are not back, sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson said March 22.

Persons with information about this collision should call Deputy Steve Martin, at 360-337-4634.

— Terryl Asla is a reporter for the Kitsap News Group. He can be reached at tasla@soundpublishing.com.