Former Illinois resident, Mary Higgins, (aka Scary), 62, died November 16, 2020, at her home in West Springfield, MA. Mary was born on February 25, 1958 in Chicago, IL. While growing up in Illinois, Mary played softball and was known for her incredibly daunting throws to first base, and home run hits. She built strong relationships and made life-long friends with her teammates, and recently attended a softball league reunion. Mary attended Western Illinois University, where she continued to build lifelong friendships with those that she met. In 1983, Mary moved to Massachusetts to begin her career at Massachusetts Mutual, and worked there until she retired in 2019. While at Mass Mutual, Mary was a mentor and friend to many. Mary was such a charitable soul who brought people together, and with this she brought "Chicago bags" to the east coast by starting an annual bags tournament raising funds for local charities. As you can see, there is a common thread to the ribbons of Mary's life – Mary was a trusted and giving friend. She had a lively spirit and would engage you with thoughtful conversations. As one of her dear friends said, "If you ask Mary the time, she'll tell you how to build the clock." Mary is survived by her brother, Michael and his wife Josette Higgins: their three children Christopher, Caitlyn, Cara and her husband Matthew, her sister, Deirdre and her husband Dale White; their two children Chloë and Trevor; her fur babies, Finn, Oz and Lizzie, her family in Ireland and around the world and her Massachusetts family – you know who you are - too numerous to mention, but loved so deeply. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Sadie Higgins, and her fur babies Houdini, Dilly, Dally, Emmett and Elliot. At Mary's request, no service will be held, but donations can be made in Mary's name to Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, bigfluffydogs.com. Raise a glass and cheer "To Mary"!

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam .