Maria J. Higgs 98 of La Plata, MD died on June 8, 2014 at her home. She was born on August 23, 1915 in Leonardtown, MD to the late George E. and Emma P. Abell.

She is also predeceased by her husband, Walter A. Higgs; son, Joseph W. Higgs; infant daughters, Mary L. and Mary R. Higgs; brothers, Dominick, Donald and Frank Abell; and sisters, Hilda Norris and Louise "Polly" Proffit.

She is survived by her sons, William H. and James L. Higgs; daughters, Dorothy M. Clements and Judy A. Bailey; grandchildren, Kevin M. Clements, Kimberly Allen, James L. Higgs, Jr., Robert C. Higgs, Lisa M. Johnson, Patrick L. Higgs, Deanna Simmons and Donald A. Phelps, Jr. She is also survived by numerous great and great great grandchildren.

Maria was married in 1935 at Our Lady's Church in Medleys Neck in 1935 and has lived in southern Maryland for over 60 years. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in La Plata where she was a member of the sodality.

The family will receive friends on Thursday June 12, 2014 at the Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, La Plata, MD from 5 to 8 PM with prayers at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday June 13, 2014 at 10 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church La Plata, MD. Interment to follow at the St. Ignatius Church Chapel Pt.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Catherine's Church Renovations fund or Hospice of Charles County.

Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.