Joan Frances Higgins, 80, of Fort Pierce, passed away Friday, March 22, 2013 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.

Mrs. Higgins was born January 29, 1933 in Queens, NY. She had been a resident of Fort Pierce since 1996, coming from Smithtown, NY.

She attended Saint Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach, FL.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Robert W. Higgins; sons, Robert W. Higgins Jr. of Smithtown, NY; Richard Higgins of Plattsburgh, NY; David Higgins of Rego Park, NY; daughters, Deborah Higgins of South Burlington, VT; Barbara Maier of Farmingville, NY; Susan McDonnell of Middletown, NJ; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2013 at Saint Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach. A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, April 1, 2013 at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Smithtown, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice House at 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, FL.