Opal Irene Hicks

Opal was born in Loveland Colorado in 1923 to Roscoe Adams and Florence Klene Adams. She graduated from Loveland High School in 1941 and later moved to Los Angeles, California with her mother. Her lifelong love of music began with piano lessons at age 6. Opal attended the University of California, followed by advanced study at the Sherwood Music School in Chicago, Illinois. After receiving her teaching certificate she taught piano at Black Foxe Music Institute and the Institute of Musical Art in Los Angeles. In 1951, she married Jack Hicks and they moved to Seattle. Opal became a charter member of the Seattle chapter of Sweet Adelines Barbershop singing. She competed in many chorus competitions, directed for 3 ½ years, and sang in 5 different quartets. In later years the chapter combined with the North Shore Chapter and became Seattle Shores. Opal became very active in Sweet Adelines, and became the longest active member in the Northwest, participating for 62 years. Opal was employed in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Department at the University of Washington for 45 years. In addition, she liked to travel and participate in ballroom dancing. She is survived by a cousin, Mrs. Joanne Richards of Nashville, Illinois. Being an only child, Opal treasured her many friends. Her memorial service will be held on March 21, 1:00 at Acacia Memorial Park.