Alvina Bernadette "Vina" Higgs

Alvina Bernadette DiFabio Higgs, 81, of Compton MD, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025 surrounded by her beloved family. She was the matriarch of the family; a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who will be remembered for her resilience, compassion, selflessness, generosity and her unwavering love for her family.

Vina was born on September 1, 1944 in Philadelphia PA to the late Doris DiFabio; she was lovingly raised by her Grandmother and Grandfather DiFabio, her mother, and Aunts Francine, Ida, Jean, and Nan. As a child she enjoyed attending ballet classes, and she shared many fond memories of spending her summers at the Jersey Shore beach house her grandfather rented every year.

Vina attended private Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade. She received her high school diploma from St. Maria Goretti in Philadelphia PA. After graduation she enrolled in nursing school. As a teen she spent summers with her Aunt Ida, Uncle Rex, and cousins Robin and Becky in Compton MD working at Rex's Country Store. It was during her summer visit in 1963 that she met the love of her life, Solly Higgs.

Vina and Solly married on September 12, 1964 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Compton, MD. Together they celebrated 56 years of marriage, raised 4 children and their grandson Cory, and they played a big role in the lives of Shawn and Michael Clarke.

One job Vina particularly enjoyed was being a school bus driver for local schools; because she truly cared about the children entrusted to her care, several of her high school passengers would go on to become cherished friends after they had graduated. She worked 15 years as a caseworker in the child support division with the local Department of Social Services, until her retirement in 2013.

Vina poured her heart and soul into her children. Despite the family being of very modest means, she always found a way to ensure her children could pursue their extracurricular activities, and she spent her time running them to and from their activities, even volunteering as their softball coach - she worked tirelessly to try to never miss a sporting event, parade, concert, etc. and to simply be present in their daily lives. She loved unconditionally and selflessly.

Vina was a kind, loving, and generous person who never knew a stranger, and did not judge people on any basis. She was also a big animal lover.

Above all, Vina was a woman of deep faith, who was fully committed to God and the Catholic Church. Because she believed, we know that He has welcomed her into eternal paradise where she is now whole and free from her earthly ailments.

Vina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Solly, in 2021. She is survived by her children, Dawn Turner (Chris) of Prince Frederick MD, Pizzel Keen (Billy) of Valley Lee MD, Tammy Higgs (Gail) of Leonardtown MD, Blaise Higgs of Mechanicsville MD, and Cory Higgs Carter (Megan) of Clements MD. She was the proud Mom Mom to 14 grandchildren, and "Big" Mom Mom or Nona to 10 great grandchildren, all of whom she adored beyond measure. She also leaves behind her dear cousin Robin Youmans, who was more like a sister to her.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00pm with prayers being recited at 12:00 pm at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment to follow at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be: son, Blaise Higgs, grandsons, Cory Higgs Carter, Brandon Turner, Jarrett Higgs, Colt Keen and Michael Clarke, sons-in-law, Chris Turner and Billy Keen. Honorary pallbearers are her remaining grandchildren: Brooke Shegogue (JT), Brittany Turner, Natalie Bean (Joe), Addison Keen, Taylor Spalding (Brent), Lorin Bond (Kerry), Olivia Stallings (Jon), Kendra Higgs, and Jenna Higgs.

Memorial contributions may be made in Vina's name to St. Mary's County Animal Shelter, 22975 FDR Blvd., Lexington Park, MD 20653 or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 21370 Newtowne Neck Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.