ELLSWORTH-Margaret Rita Higgins, 85, died peacefully on September 15, 2021, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, Maine, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born April 4, 1936 in Dexter a daughter of Herbert Francis Groleau and Alida Marie (Gilbert) Groleau. Margaret graduated from Dexter High School class of 1954. On September 12, 1957, she married James Donald Higgins and they recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Margaret worked for many years at Mr. Paperback in Ellsworth which was fitting as she was an avid book reader throughout her life. She is survived by her husband, James Higgins of Rockland; her daughter, Joan Higgins of Ellsworth; her son Mark Higgins and wife Allyson Sorenson of Bangor; 9 grandchildren, Rebecca Prefontaine and wife Jessica, Jennifer Guildford and partner Dave Gow, Travis Higgins and partner Kyffin Dolliver, Jared Brown, Corey Brown, Danielle Carter, Hallee Sorenson, Madeline Tuite, and Jessica Higgins; 4 great-grandchildren, Carlos, Aaliyah, and Levi Prefontaine and Abel Higgins; a sister, Patricia Downing; nieces Kathy Day and Judy Pullen; and her nephew James Downing, Jr. She was predeceased by her parents Herbert and Alida Groleau and brother-in-law James Downing, Sr. Graveside services for family and close friends will be held 2 P. M., Friday, September 24th at the West Garland Cemetery in Garland. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Dexter.