Mary "Florence" Higgins

Mary "Florence" Higgins

February 3, 2024

Wichita, Kansas - Mary Florence Higgins, 81, retired Registered Nurse, died Saturday, February 3, 2024. Florence was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Florence's father, Morris, was German, and her mother Catherine, immigrated from Ireland, with a fighting Irish spirit that Florence embodied. Florence attended St. Agnes School of Nursing where she became a registered nurse, complete with white hat. She married her husband, Tom, a nuclear physicist, shortly after graduation. They moved to Takoma Park, Maryland for Tom to pursue his PhD at Catholic University. While in Maryland, Florence became a mother to baby boy, Tom Jr., her pride and joy. Afterward, the family moved to Teaneck, New Jersey where Florence continued her nursing career. Later they moved to Prosser, Washington where Florence earned her BSN and was in nursing administration at Prosser Memorial Hospital and Sunnyside Hospital. They moved to Las Vegas in 1988, where Florence was a nurse reviewer. There they joyfully welcomed five grandchildren, whom they spoiled and adored. Upon retirement in 2008, they followed their only son's family to Wichita, Kansas. They enjoyed being a part of their grandchildren's day-to-day lives, volunteering at Magdalen Catholic School, attending band concerts, dance recitals, and scouting adventures. While retired for many years, Florence maintained her nursing license as a point of pride. When Tom Sr. became ill, Florence was a model to her family of the Catholic sacrament of marriage and the vow of "in sickness and health." Florence was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to Joseph Linh Higgins in February 2022, fulfilling her late husband's dream of seeing his grandchildren's children.

Rosary will be at 7 pm, Thursday, February 8, 2024; a Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, Friday, February 9, 2024, both at Holy Savior Catholic Church where Florence was blessed to witness her eldest grandson's marriage last June. Florence is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Higgins, Sr, PhD; parents, Morris and Catherine Righter; sister, Katherine Goblowsky. She is survived by her son, Dr. Thomas (Kate) Higgins, Jr.; grandchildren, Joseph (Amanda) Higgins, James Higgins, Margaret Higgins, Thomas Higgins, Charles Higgins; great-grandchild, Joseph "JJ" Higgins; niece, Linda Goblowsky-Finn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cristo Rey St. Viator Las Vegas College Preparatory, 2880 Van Der Meer St., North Las Vegas, NV 89030 or the Wichita diocese's St. Katherine Drexel Catholic School fund, 424 N Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com