Florence “Flo” Higgins, 89, of Randall Cliff, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Washington Hospital Hospice in Washington, D.C., surrounded with the love of a family whose lives she so beautifully shaped.
Flo was born on February 7, 1937, in Suitland, Maryland, to the late Mario John Leone and Mary Elizabeth Leone. She spent most of her life in Southern Maryland, the place she called home and the place where she built a life filled with love, family, faith, friendship, and countless cherished memories.
Flo was truly one of a kind. She was a devoted mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, a loving sister, a caring aunt, a treasured friend, and a beautiful soul to everyone blessed enough to know her. She had a way of making people feel loved, welcomed, and important. Her kindness was genuine, her heart was full, and her presence brought comfort, warmth, and joy to those around her. Her family was the center of her world. Nothing made Flo happier than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones. She loved deeply, gave freely, and cared with her whole heart. Whether through a kind word, a warm smile, a thoughtful gesture, or simply being there when someone needed her, Flo showed her love in ways that will never be forgotten.
For many years, Flo was a devoted teacher at Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Solomons, Maryland. She was more than a teacher; she was an inspiration, a guide, and a caring influence in the lives of many children who passed through her classroom. Her patience, compassion, and dedication left a lasting impression on her students, their families, and the community she served so faithfully. Flo and her beloved husband, David Higgins, later retired to Florida, where her fun-loving spirit and joyful personality led her to open her own ice cream parlor. It was a perfect reflection of who she was — sweet, welcoming, full of life, and always bringing happiness to others. After the passing of her beloved husband, Flo returned home to Southern Maryland to be closer to the family she loved so dearly.
Flo is survived by her sons, Bernie Greenwell and his partner Renee, Michael Greenwell, Johnny Greenwell and his wife Kim, and Jody Higgins. She is also survived by her siblings, Mary Donovan, Judy Durnbaugh, Loretta Charnley and her husband George, Mario Leone and his wife Marlene, Gail Leone Hunt, Jessica Leone, and William Leone. She was the proud and loving grandmother of John Greenwell Jr. and his wife Kim, Kevin Greenwell and his wife Tracy, Michael Greenwell Jr., Jake Greenwell, Kyle Greenwell and his wife Jenna, Josh Greenwell, Brittany Spicer and her husband Adam, Amanda Greenwell, Samantha Windsor and her husband DJ, Summer Bechtol and her husband Dakota, Ryan Higgins his wife Taylor, Jacob Higgins, Shane Higgins his wife Desiree and Travis Higgins. She is also survived by twenty great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom were touched by her love.
Flo was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Higgins; her parents, Mario John Leone and Mary Elizabeth Leone; and her sisters, Patricia Rogers, Lucia Gott, and Cecelia King.
Flo’s life was a beautiful example of love, grace, strength, and devotion. She gave so much of herself to others and asked for very little in return. She was the heart of her family, a source of comfort, and a reminder of what it means to love fully and faithfully. Though she will be deeply missed, Flo’s love will continue to live on through every life she touched. Her memory will remain a blessing, her legacy will continue through her family, and her spirit will forever be carried in the hearts of those who loved her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church (Old Church) in Solomons MD on Thursday July 2, 2026 at 1 pm.
