Paula W. Hickey

Paula was born March 20, 1944, in Troy, NY. She grew up in Cohoes, NY.

She was a 1962 graduate of Keveny Memorial Academy in Cohoes. Paula worked as a part-time Dental Hygienist while her children were at school but was a full-time Mom, always there to greet the school bus. She graduated from HVCC, Troy, NY with an A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene. After her children were grown, Paula went on to receive her B.S. degree in Business Administration and Management from Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY.

Paula was a loving mother, Girl Scout Leader, volunteer at her children’s schools and 4H. She was a compassionate person and always put the needs of others before her own. She was always there when families and friend needed her, providing hot meals, tutoring, and childcare. Paula was a Eucharistic minister and in 2014 was honored by the Women’s Commission of the Albany Diocese for saying “Saying Yes to God” for her work serving her family and parish. She began her career at Hartwick College as a Computer Programmer and Support Specialist. She later went on to become Manager of Academic Computer Services at SUNY Oneonta retiring in August 2011. Paula and her late husband were founding members of the Oneonta Regional Chapter of the Compassionate Friends and instrumental in establishing the Memorial Garden which still thrives behind OHS.

Paula is survived by her devoted daughter Sharon Ann Hickey of Oneonta and sisters Helen W. Alford (Nelson R.) Victoria W. Dinehart (Wendell), and brother-in-law, Robert Hickey (Catherine); nieces and nephews Jonathan Alford (Jennifer), Daniel Alford (Jocelyn), Michael Alford, Matthew Dinehart, Benjamin Dinehart (Fran), Michael Hickey (Jessica) and Caitlyn Hickey. Cousins, Michael Walsh, James Walsh, Mary Walsh, Mary Chris Krawiec, Mary Bouchard, Anne Westfall, Judith Kimball, Richard Kimball, and Patricia Jennings.

Paula was predeceased by her parents, Wm. and Helen Derus Williamson; her beloved husband of 52 years, F. Roger Hickey; her treasured son, Kevin Derus Hickey; niece, Sarah Dinehart Wible; cousin, Ralphie Walsh.

A funeral mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2021, at St. Mary's Church, Oneonta with the Rev. John P. Rosson officiating. Interment followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

Those wishing to remember Paula in a special way may make memorial contributions to the ALS Association, Feed America, and St. Mary’s Food Pantry. Please do not send flowers.