Mary Vargas Higgins

Mary Vargas Higgins was born on May 14, 1935, in Omaha, NE. She was the third of seven children born to Tomas and Josephine Vargas. Mary graduated from Sheridan High School in Sheridan, WY, in 1954. After high school, she moved to Casper, WY, and went to work for Amerada Oil Company as a secretary. In 1958, she married Donald Patrick Higgins and had 5 children.

Working with Don over the years, she managed office of their construction company. Later moving to southern California where they opened up Higgins Kitchen and Bath with their son Terry. After retirement, they moved back to Colorado. Mary went to work at Costco in Parker for something to do. She worked handing out samples, which was a dream job for her. She met so many people and became lifelong friends. Everyone knew her from Costco.

She and Don were very active at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Parker.

Mary is survived by her three children, Lennie Higgins of Highlands Ranch, and Paula Higgins-Brice (Richard Brice) and Terry Higgins, both of Parker. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, sisters Petra Sholes and Jenny Trujillo, and one brother, Ralph Vargas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her oldest and youngest sons at childbirth; and her parents and 3 siblings.

Mary’s greatest passion was family. Many nieces and nephews spent summers or longer living with her and Don. Some worked with them in their business or stayed and went to school; others just enjoyed the summer with the family. She loved playing with her grandchildren. Chasing them with her shoe or wooden spoon, they all laughed and had a great time. She enjoyed different clubs at the churches they belonged to and going dancing with Don.

Mary lived a long and blessed life until 91, passing away peacefully on August 1, 2026