Loreta Virginia Hickey

Born and raised in Prosper, Texas, she went to North Texas State College (now University), became a teacher, and joined the Plano Independent School District in 1952, teaching Home Economics. She taught for over 30 years, and in 1975, was named Texas Home Economics Teacher of the Year, the same year she received her master’s degree in education from Texas Women’s University. She moved into PISD Administration in 1979, and retired as Assistant Superintendent of PISD, in 1992(the first woman to hold that position).

In 2002, PISD opened a school in her name, Loreta Hickey Elementary, on the east side of Plano, where she lived most of her life. She was married to Jim Hickey, who predeceased her, in 1993. She is survived by her two adoring sons, Tom and John, her daughter-in-law Denise and son-in-law Jeff, grandchildren Conner, Payton, Brody, Allie, Dooley, six great-grandchildren, and beloved nieces and cousins. She was an incredible Mom, Memaw, teacher, friend, and a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Plano for over half a century. She loved her caregivers at Hope Springs Memory Care Center, who have taken such incredible care of her these last few years. Loreta lived by the motto “You can’t keep a good woman down” and her long, wonderful life was proof of that.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Plano at www.firstplano.org