Rita B. Hickey Obituary (1914 - 2012)

AUGUSTA -- Rita B. Hickey, 98, of Sewall Street, died Saturday, July 8, 2012, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt., on June 19, 1914, the daughter of John Peter and Christian (McLaughlin) Brown. Rita was educated in the Brunswick school system, at Bates College in Lewiston and Gates Business School in Augusta. Her first job was as a social worker in the Federal Energy Relief Programs in the 1930s and she worked for the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services for 27 years. After retirement, she worked part time at St. Mary's Credit Union and was actively involved in volunteer work at Central Maine Senior Citizens, Maine State Museum, the American Lung Association, St. Mary's School and Addie's Attic. She was an avid knitter and rug braider who taught the art of rug braiding at adult education classes over the years. She was married to Daniel B. Hickey in 1940. During their 64 years of marriage, they had traveled quite extensively in Canada, Italy, Ireland, France and Switzerland. They had four sons to whom she devoted love, time and energy, preparing her many 'fat free' desserts for special birthday and holiday celebrations, supervising homework and trying to instill her love of math. She enthusiastically aided in raising her six grandchildren, taking care of them after school, during summer holidays at what was affectionately called 'Camp Rita' and by doing whatever she could to aid often beleaguered parents. Rita was predeceased by her husband Daniel B. Hickey; a grandson Brendan H. Hickey; a sister Mary Enman; and a brother Richard Brown. She is survived by her sons, Daniel B. Hickey and his wife, Helene, of Montreal, Quebec, Thomas H. Hickey and his wife, Patricia, of Bangor, John Peter Hickey of Augusta and Timothy Hickey and his wife, Janet, of East Winthrop; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. At her request, there will be no visiting hours. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Western Avenue, Augusta. A reception will follow the Mass. A private burial will occur in St. Mary's Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael School, 56 Sewall St., Augusta, 04330. The family would like to thank the personnel of St. Mark's Home and at Woodland's Assisted Living for their devoted care over the years that she lived there. The excellent end of life treatment received at MaineGeneral Medical Center was also much appreciated. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com