Born on August 19, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mary Anne was the cherished daughter of Edward and Florence Waters. She grew up in Pittsburgh and pursued her passion for helping others by attending West Penn Nursing School. This education laid the foundation for her lifelong career in nursing.
Mary Anne began her professional journey as a pediatric nurse in Pittsburgh. After taking time off to focus on raising her family a role she embraced wholeheartedly she returned to nursing as a newborn nursery nurse at Parrish Medical Center.
Family was the cornerstone of Mary Anne’s life. She is survived by her devoted husband, William Higgs Jr., with whom she shared many decades of love and partnership. Together, they built a family that brought Mary Anne immense joy and pride. She leaves behind three daughters: Sherri (Chuck) Fiorentino, Jennifer Shockley, and Melissa (Mark) Chaet; eight grandchildren: Matt (Leah) Fiorentino, Marissa (Quinton) Bealor, Kristen Shockley, Noah Shockley, Cole Shockley, Steven Sombeck, Adam Sombeck, and Zachary Chaet; and three great-grandchildren: Parker and Henry Fiorentino and Charlie Bealor. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy she treasured every moment spent with them.
Mary Anne is also survived by her brother Bill Waters and his wife Barbara. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Florence Waters.
Throughout her life, Mary Anne’s warmth and devotion to her family were evident to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the love she instilled in those closest to her.
May Mary Anne’s memory bring comfort to all who loved her. Funeral will be held on August 18, 2026, with visitation at 11:00AM with service to follow at 11:30am at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial 5950 US-1, Rockledge, FL.
