Mary Higgins Obituary: With heartfelt sorrow and deep respect, we come together to remember and honor the life of Mary Higgins (née McLaughlin)—a woman whose presence brought light, color, and kindness to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Mary passed away peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital on June 24, 2025, surrounded by love. She leaves behind a legacy of family, faith, and community that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her.
Mary was many things to many people: a devoted wife, a loving mother, a treasured grandmother, a loyal sister, and a dear friend. But to all, she was a source of warmth and goodness, a steady and comforting presence whose life spoke of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion. As we reflect on her life, we must first honor her cherished role as the beloved wife of Danny, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership. Theirs was a union built on mutual respect, shared values, and the kind of quiet strength that carries a family through life’s many seasons. Their love was the foundation of a beautiful home, one filled with laughter, care, and faith.
Mary was the loving mother of Michael, Ruaidhrí, Paddy, and the late Kevin (R.I.P.), whose memory she held close to her heart every day. Her love for her children was unshakeable. She rejoiced in their joys, stood by them in trials, and offered a listening ear, a word of wisdom, or a warm embrace whenever it was needed. To her daughters-in-law, she was more than a mother-in-law—she was a friend and a guiding hand, welcoming them with grace into the family she so deeply cherished.
As a grandmother, Mary’s heart overflowed with pride and affection. Her grandchildren—Caoimh, Ida, Dara, Lily, Caolán, and Darcie—were the lights of her life. Each visit, every birthday, holiday, and everyday moment was a chance for her to pour love into their lives, to offer stories, cuddles, and the kind of unconditional support that only a grandmother like Mary could give. Her grandchildren will carry her warmth with them always, a legacy of love they’ll pass down through their own lives.
Born to the late Bridget and Terry (R.I.P.), Mary was deeply shaped by her roots. Her values of family loyalty, community, and faith were instilled early in her life and never wavered. She was a proud sister to Michael and Kathleen, and she held in tender memory her late sisters Rita and Patricia (R.I.P.). The bonds of family meant everything to Mary, and she remained steadfast in those relationships, through the seasons of joy and the trials of grief.
Mary’s home, located at 64 Windyhill Road, Limavady, was a place of welcome and warmth—a haven where stories were told, tea was shared, and visitors always felt at ease. It is there that her wake will begin on Wednesday, June 25th at 5pm. The family has asked for family time from 10pm to 11am, a quiet space to grieve and remember together.
Her funeral will be held on Friday, June 27th, with Requiem Mass at Christ The King Church, Limavady, beginning at 10am. The Mass will also be available online, allowing friends and loved ones near and far to join in prayer and remembrance. Mary’s family has requested that those attending the funeral wear colourful clothing, a reflection of Mary’s joyful spirit and her love for vibrant life. Just as she filled rooms with color and light, so too should we celebrate her life with brightness and beauty.
Mary was a woman of deep Catholic faith, and her relationship with God was woven into the fabric of her everyday life. She lived her beliefs with quiet conviction—always putting others before herself, offering a helping hand or a listening ear without hesitation. Her devotion was not only seen in church but expressed in how she cared for people, how she faced life’s challenges with dignity, and how she raised her family to love God and each other.
Her passing is deeply felt, not only by those closest to her but by the entire Limavady and Massachusetts communities where her presence made a lasting impact. She was a cherished neighbor, a steadfast friend, and a woman who brought people together. Whether it was through shared prayer, community events, or simply a friendly smile in town, Mary touched countless lives in quiet yet powerful ways.
In lieu of flowers, the family has kindly requested donations to be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT)—a gesture that perfectly reflects Mary’s generous spirit and her desire to see others supported in their most vulnerable times. Donations can be made through McLaughlin Funeral Directors, who are overseeing the arrangements with great care and compassion.
As we grieve the loss of Mary, we are reminded that some lives are so full of love and goodness, their departure leaves not just sorrow, but also deep gratitude. Gratitude for the time we had, for the memories she gave us, and for the love that continues to echo long after her final breath. Mary Higgins was a bright light in a sometimes-dim world. She lived with grace, with humor, and with the kind of integrity that can never be forgotten. Her memory will live on in her family, in the community she loved, and in every heart that was touched by her kindness.
