Liliam fled Cuba with her first husband, Enrique Lujan, and her three children in December 1960 as Enrique’s casino business was affected by the communist takeover. In April of 1961 they were joined by their nephew when he was sent to the United States by his parents to ensure his safety. From there, a long and adventurous saga began, moving the family to San Diego and eventually to Las Vegas, where Enrique was offered a position by Chester Sims at the Flamingo Hotel. Liliam went to work at Sunrise Hospital and after the birth of her fourth child, Mary, became a housewife in 1967. Liliam could not stay still so she soon became active in the resettlement efforts for Cuban Refugees with Catholic Charities. This led to a career with the Department of Human Resources, Welfare Division. She retired after 25 years. She lost her first husband, Enrique, in 1972. As a widow she became involved in politics, becoming friends with many of the movers and shakers of what was then a relatively small town. In a political brunch she met then Assemblyman Thomas Hickey and they married in 1981. Together, they both became a part of the Nevada political scene and were hosts to many gatherings in their home. Tom also served in the State Senate and Liliam was elected to the Nevada State Board of Education. She was one of the original members of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, helped with the creation of many programs and served on several boards. Her community involvement led to being honored by having a school named for her in 2006. She and Tom retired but remained outspoken and involved in the community. Tom preceded her in death in 2016. Liliam had an interesting and eventful life. She was proud of her Cuban past, but was a dedicated American citizen. It would take a book to say all that she accomplished as well as all the personal adventures she experienced. She leaves behind daughters, Liliam (Homer) Shell, Silvia (Gordon) Walsh, and Mary Hickey and son, Enrique (Rick) Lujan and his partner Liz Laird, nephew-son, Mario Mathias, three grandchildren, six great grandchildren, her sister Rosario Fernandez and other much loved family members in the United States, Cuba, and the rest of the world, thanks to the Cuban diaspora. Services will be Friday, June 25 at noon at Palm Mortuary Eastern with burial following. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Latin Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund or to the Liliam Lujan Hickey Elementary School.
