of Chelsea,  MI.   Mary's three-year battle with cancer ended peacefully Thursday, July 18th at her home, surrounded by family. She was born to Albert and Charlotte Anderson, on September 25, 1964, in Des Moines, Iowa, a little sister to "Andy" and Paul. Her family has resided in Sharon Township since 1972.

Mary graduated from Chelsea High in 1982. She went on to earn her BS degree in Biology from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.  She worked in quality control and FDA compliance for several companies that manufactured medical devices in Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Most recently she had her own firm providing consulting and training in regulatory affairs to businesses across the US and around the world.

In addition to her love for family and friends, Mary loved animals. The most spectacular animal in her life was Rufus, a Malamute-Timber Wolf hybrid and canine genius. Through Rufus, she met Dennis Higgins. Mary and Dennis were married April 22, 1998, on the beach at Ocho Rios, Jamaica. They adopted their son, Andrew Jacob "AJ" at two days old in October of 2003.

Along with her family, Mary's other love in life was working with fiber and textile arts. She won many awards as a member of the Terrific Tailors 4-H club and was a long time member of the Spinner's Flock in Chelsea. Her passion for fiber and costume also grew as a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medieval recreation organization. In the SCA her vibrancy and enthusiasm made her many friends within the group and across the country.

In this world of givers and takers, Mary was a generous giver.  Beyond sharing her material goods and time, she gave unconditional love. She was tolerant, forgiving, & nonjudgmental, especially toward those who were most in need of approval. Mary lived with rare inflammatory breast cancer just as she lived life before cancer, without fear and eager for her next adventure. She viewed death as an integral part of life and believed in many wonders yet to be revealed.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and Luella Houston from Missouri, and A.F. “Frank” and Agnes Anderson from Iowa. She will be greatly missed by her husband and son, along with her parents, her brothers’ families, cousins and many many more friends and family all over the world.

Cremation has occurred. A Celebration of Life took place on Sunday, September 1 with visitation from noon to 1pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea. A memorial service was held at 1pm with a committal service following in Oak Grove East Cemetery, with Pastor Jim Coyl officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to Mary Higgins Memorial Fund, 1342 Armstrong Dr, Chelsea, MI 48118.

 

Please sign Mary's online guestbook and leave a memory for her family.