Mary Elizabeth High

Mary was born in Frackville, Pennsylvania on February 3, 1939 to George J. and Beatrice M. Kelly. She was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated high school from West Catholic Girls in 1957. She attended nursing school and was a nurse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Sea Isle City, New Jersey.

Mary moved to South Florida in 1965 with her husband Leon. Together they raised four children in Hollywood, Florida. She became a resident of Davie, Florida in 2001 and spent the last 18 years living in the Park City Estates Community.

Mary was a devoted mother to her children and worked hard during her life to give them everything she could. As they grew, she participated in all events they were a part of, attending optimist football games when her boys played football, all games when her daughter was a cheerleader and any other school or life function her children were a part of. She was always on the go with one of them, and enjoyed everything she could be involved in with them.

Mary enjoyed spending time at family parties, especially during the holidays. Everyone was her friend, and she enjoyed the company of family and friends at the gatherings.

Mary had an enormous heart for animals, and always had pets to care for in her home. She never said no to an animal her children brought home. She loved them dearly and they were always treated as babies.

Mary looked forward to her Friday nights out for dinner, weekend lunch and shopping at Walmart and her once a month visit to the casino, where she enjoyed the slot machines. Win or lose, Mary couldn’t wait to go, and had her special slot machines waiting for her. She enjoyed painting crafts, arts and craft shows and doing projects around the house. Whether it was moving furniture around or knocking a wall out to make a bigger room, Mary did it. She considered herself a “jack of all trades, master of none.” You never knew what you would be walking into when you visited her home.

Mary had a great passion for Irish music and classic country music. You never went into her house without hearing the sounds of her favorite Irish singer, Daniel O’Donnell, or some of her favorite country oldies. Mary adored her grandchildren. She was proud of each one and looked forward to the kids doting and loving on her.

Mary is survived by her daughters Colleen Guerra of Plantation and Kelly High of Davie, son Kevin High of Plantation and son and daughter-in-law Brian and Alida High of Boynton Beach. She is loved by her grandchildren Justin Sommers-High, Brian (Boo) High, Kelsey Watson and Nicholas Guerra. Mary’s older sister, Joann Nestor, sisters-in-law Jane Kubiak and Barbara Brakefield, and numerous nieces and nephews survive her. Mary is predeceased by her parents George and Beatrice Kelly, husband Leon High and beloved grandson Matthew Karie-Fenton.

Mary was the heart and soul of her family and will leave a hole in the hearts of those who love her.

Mary was a loyal contributor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Mary’s devotion to this cause and in memory of her grandson, Matthew Karie-Fenton.