Cecile Hermine Hickey

Cecile Hickey passed away on June 27, 2024, in Riverside, California. Cecile was born October 23, 1932 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. She was the daughter of Joseph and Marie Louise Girard (nee Coutu), the eighth of nine children. Cecile spent her youth in Woonsocket where she graduated from St. Anne’s Parochial School. She earned the cost of her tuition working in a hospital as a nurse’s aide. After graduation, Cecile completed courses at an administrative trade school where she excelled in stenography and typing. Later, she was employed at a local utility company. During this time, she met John E. Hickey, Jr., a United States Marine, and fell in love. They married at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in 1956. The newlyweds honeymooned in Niagara Falls, NY. They enjoyed nearly fifty years of wedded bliss.

As the matriarch of the Hickey family, Cecile coordinated military relocations to North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California. She endured her husband’s multiple overseas deployments including Okinawa and Vietnam while raising four children– John, Marie, Paul, and Monique. Paul, a special needs child, required a lifetime of love, affection, and encouragement that only a loving and nurturing mother could provide. He and his siblings received this in abundance from their mother, Cecile.

After her husband retired from active duty and his subsequent employment at Mount San Jacinto Junior College, what began as lunch dates with him became Cecile enrolling in a class or two. Eventually, Cecile completed the coursework necessary to earn an Associate Degree. She then enrolled at the University of California, Riverside where she pursued and obtained a Baccalaureate Degree in Spanish. Cecile was recognized for her academic excellence and inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

After earning her degree at UCR, Cecile transitioned from being a student to becoming an educator. She began her career at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parochial School in Riverside. She shaped young minds and was a beloved, successful teacher and mentor. After several years at St. Catherine’s, Cecile was hired by the Riverside Adult School where she taught English as a Second Language. While working with students of different cultures, Cecile felt great personal and professional satisfaction.

Cecile was a proud member of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church. After retiring, she became an active volunteer at St. Catherine’s School and the OLPH Food Pantry. Cecile loved to read, especially biographies and current history. She enjoyed the academic, athletic, and professional successes of her children and grandchildren. Many will miss her, including nieces and nephews who greatly loved “Ma tante Cecile in California”. Cecile enjoyed a life of love based on the foundation of faith and family. Her warmth, humor, and kindness touched many lives. “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter in the joy of the Lord.”

Cecile was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Hickey, Jr., and their son, Paul. She is survived by: son, John Hickey III of Jonesboro TN (wife, Beth); daughters, Marie LeCourt of Katy, TX (husband, Donald); Monique Sanchez of Riverside, CA (husband, Joseph). Seven grandchildren: Philip Hickey, Austin Hickey, Anthony LeCourt, John LeCourt, Dominique Holt, Daniel Sanchez, and Kaitlyn Smith; great-grandchildren, Dillon Hickey, Noemie LeCourt, Caspian Holt, and Khaleesi Sanchez. Special thanks to the staff at Citrus Place, who cared for Cecile with love and compassion.

Visitation 5:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 17 (Rosary-6:00 PM) Acheson and Graham Mortuary 7944 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. Funeral Mass 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 18 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 5250 Central Ave., Riverside. Interment 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 18 at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside.