Obituary of Mary R. Higgins

Mary R. Higgins, 92, of Cortland, passed away February 13, 2017 at the Cortland Regional Medical Center. She was born January 30, 1925 in Lowell Mass., the daughter of the late James and Alice Welsh Keenan, James passing when Mary was the age of four. Mary was raised and educated in Lowell Mass. in the working class neighborhoods near the many textile mills that existed in the area at that time. She relocated to Cortland after marrying her late husband, William. Mary remained at home to care for her family. She has been a longtime communicant of St. Margaret's Church. After her husband's retirement, they moved to Palm Harbor Fl., after his passing she returned to Cortland. She enjoyed travelling, her years of membership at the Cortland Country Club, and playing bridge with her friends. She is survived by her children Virginia Higgins, Bill Jr. (Dianne) Higgins, Kathleen (Robert) Gauthier, James Higgins, Thomas (Pam) Higgins, her grandchildren Megan Higgins, Robert Gauthier, Jacquelyn (Matt) Matos. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her step father who helped raise her Joseph Dillon, and her husband William Higgins Sr. For all who loved her know "The truest wisdom is a resolute determination". A funeral service will be held at 1pm Friday 2-17 at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland with Fr. Paul Alciati presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Mary's name and directed to the Syracuse American Heart Association, 2 South Clinton St. #305. Syracuse, NY 13202. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.co