Maxine Higinbotham

Maxine Higinbotham

Frances Maxine Higinbotham, lovingly known as Maxine, of Smithfield, PA, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at Uniontown Hospital at the age of 85. Born on October 26, 1939, in Brownsville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Irene (Hostler) and George Howard.

Maxine dedicated her life to caring for others. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and spent over four decades as a Domiciliary Care provider, touching the lives of countless individuals. In addition, she was a devoted foster parent to dozens of children, offering them not only shelter, but love, warmth, and a true sense of family.

She had a passion for travel, especially Motor Coach trips, which she loved sharing with her late husband, foster children and Domiciliary Care family. Some of her most cherished memories were made camping at Big Bear alongside her family, friends, and especially her extended Dom Care Family. Her heart and home were always open.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Orville Higinbotham Sr., her parents, two brothers in infancy, an infant nephew, her adopted daughter Carmen Higinbotham, her brothers-in-law Robert William Higinbotham, Donald Higinbotham Sr., Albert Mattie, Robert Glover, and dear family friend Jimmy Close.

Maxine’s legacy continues through her children: Debora Holchin and husband Richard Sr, Orville Higinbotham Jr. and wife Lana, Renee Rosie and husband Eric, and adopted daughter Diana Higinbotham and partner Matthew Brownfield. She was a proud grandmother to Lori Headley, Richard Holchin Jr. and wife Staci, Jennifer Margroff and husband Jubal, Joseph Holchin and wife Jenn, Tatianna Mason and John Mason; Orville Higinbotham III, Christopher Higinbotham, Jessica Pantalo and fiancé Timothy Berkshire; Emily Rosie and fiancé Wesley Over, Jacob Rosie and fiancé Kameron Miller, Sophia Rosie; Chloe Brownfield, Matt Brownfield Jr., Zachary Brownfield; Haylee Higinbotham, Ronald Higinbotham Jr., Felicia Higinbotham and Josh Higinbotham. Her joy was multiplied with 11 great-grandchildren who brought light to her later years.

She is also survived by her loving sisters Shirley Mattie, Susan Gastner and husband Terrance, and Mary Jane Scott and husband Steve; in-laws Patricia Higinbotham; Iva Higinbotham; LeRoy and Evelyn Higinbotham; Jack and Eleanor Higinbotham; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Barbara Miller, Kathy Barnhart, Kathy Davis and Lisa Basinger.

Maxine's life was one of service, strength, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Family and friends will be received at the Terravecchia-Haky Funeral Home in Masontown, PA, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM and 6:00–8:00 PM, and again on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Eric Glisan officiating.

Interment will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA.

If you wish to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.terravecchiahakyfh.com