Mary "Alberta" O'Hara (Higgs)

mary o'hara (higgs)

February 28, 1940 ~ March 27, 2023

Mary “Alberta” O’Hara, 83, of Hollywood, MD peacefully passed to be with her Lord on March 27, 2023, with her 2 daughters and son-in- law by her side. Born February 28, 1940, to the late James Roland and Mary Eva (Tippett) Higgs. Alberta is survived by her two girls, Charlene Cusic (son-in-law Kevin) and Terri Ferguson. One of her best gifts in life was getting to be called MawMaw. She was very proud of that title and telling everyone she could how proud she was of her grandchildren. She left them with many memories and traditions (cookie night and dyeing easter eggs) to carry on. She is survived by her grandchildren Ashley Raley (Scott), Christopher Cusic (Rachel) and Hunter Bowles. Her great grandchildren Landon Raley, Colson Raley and Maddox Cusic. She was a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident and drove a bus for the St. Mary’s County Public School system for over 40 years. She was famous for her Halloween costumes. She took great pride in coming up with the perfect costumes to dress up in for her grandchildren, Halloween parties hosted by family friends, and The Hair Company. You never knew what to expect from her! Alberta always liked to look her best; she could be found most Fridays at The Hair Company in Leonardtown. She was always treated like a queen and family when she was there, especially by Brooke, Dana, and Presley. A woman of faith she was a member of the Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene. They welcomed her with open arms, and she formed many friendships while there. She loved all her family and friends dearly. She treasured all the time spent with them, phone calls, visits, letters, and cards over the years. She leaves us with many memories of her amazing smile and laughter that could fill a room. She was proceeded in death by her husband Rufus “Butch” O’Hara, brothers Allie Higgs (Audrey) and Wilson Higgs (Agnes), sisters Maude Jones (Billy) and Doris Dearstine. Doris and Alberta had a special bond, they were truly best friends. Pallbearers - Kevin Cusic, Christopher Cusic, Scott Raley, Jeff Dearstine, Valerie Cole and Willie Gray. Honorary pallbearers - Hunter Bowles, Landon Raley, Colson Raley and Maddox Cusic. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the Mattingley- Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM with Pastor Michael Curley officiating. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. The family would like to thank her caregivers, Connie, Tammy, Crystal, Renee, Arlene, Mary and Pam for the great care and friendship over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene P.O. Box 1110, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or ACTS P.O. Box 54, Bushwood, MD 20618.

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  1. Mrs.Mary was truly a blessing to know. Down to the endless laughter and the stories, she always knew how to make you feel loved. I truly loved spending every other Friday with her getting her, ” Hair done right!” as she would say. She was truly an angel inside and out. I also has the privilege of knowing her lovely family, and spending more time with Mary outside of the hair world. I will miss her dearly just like everyone else. I know for a fact she’s having more laughs with her family in heaven, and will be watching over all of her loved ones

  2. Charlene,Terry,Kevin and Family we are so sorry for your loss of such a great Mother,Grandmother and Friend. We are sending lots of prayers and hugs.

  3. Sharon "Alvey" and James Cullison, Jr says:

    Charlene, we send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We wish you peace to bring you comfort, the courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Alberta was one of the most kindhearted individuals I have ever met. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  4. Charlene,Kevin and Family,
    We are so sorry for the loss of this wonderful lady.She will be missed by many people who loved her.We will be out of town for the service,but you are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.

  5. Charlene,Kevin,Terry, and family,

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. Mary was a sweet lady. Prayers for all.

  6. Miss Alberta was my bus driver many a moons ago, she always had her hair done. She was so sweet, may she rest in peace.


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