Mary Ann Higgins, 46, of Peoria Heights, passed away at 12:45 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2009, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Mary was born in Peoria on October 24, 1963, a daughter of John Richard and Mable Marie (Brown) Backes. She married Lewis A. Higgins on November 22, 1986 in Peoria. He survives.
She is also survived by her mother, of Peoria Heights; sons, Lucas and Jeremy Higgins of Peoria Heights; step-children, Scotty Higgins of Peoria and Susan Higgins of Atlanta, GA; brothers, John Backes of Sunnyland, Larry (Karen) Backes of Germantown Hills, David Backes of Peoria Heights; sister, Lavon (Don) Jordan of Pekin; six grandchildren; father-in-law, Glen Moore of Canton; and her caretaker, Lucas’ fiancé, Katie Jean Averill. Her father and mother-in-law, Janice Moore, preceded her in death.
Mary was formerly a housekeeper at OSF St. Clare Home and a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, both in Peoria Heights.
She enjoyed scrap booking; cooking; sewing; collecting snow globes; listening to Country music, especially Alan Jackson; watching Green Bay Packers football; and spending time at home with her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Mary will be remembered for her courage and strength and for being a great mother, sister and daughter. She was very caring, giving and loving and she had a big heart.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2009, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria. Funeral services will be private, with Monsignor William Watson officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Peoria.
The family would like to thank the 4th and 5th floor staff of OSF St. Francis Medical Center for all they did for Mary.