Adella Marie Hicks

Adella Marie Hicks, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on August 28th, 2026 at the age of 81 following a battle with dementia. A New Year’s Day baby, she was born on January 1, 1945 in Passaic, NJ. Adella was the oldest child of Lois and Michael Cassetta. Her first marriage was to Steven Baker, with whom she had her son, Thomas. Several years into their marriage, Steven was in a devastating accident. Adella cared for him for the rest of his days. She later married William Hicks and they spent 50 years building a life together. They raised Thomas and she gave birth to her daughter, Susan.

Above all else, Adella was a devoted mother and caregiver. She cared for her two youngest sisters and her two children even in times of adversity. She started her career as a nurse in 1964, receiving her RN in 1967. She went back to school and graduated from Saint Joseph’s College in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Arts. She earned certification in holistic nursing. During her career she cared for all ages, working in both hospitals and nursing homes.

Adella was an incredible artist. She painted, weaved, and worked with three-dimensional art. Her greatest talent was in fabric art where she sewed all types of clothing, including wedding dresses for her family. She was an avid quilter who created intricate quilts of all types.

When not in her art studio, Adella could be found in nature. She loved the ocean, taking long walks, and was an avid gardener.

Adella is survived by her husband, William Hicks; her daughter Susan Barrans; her son-in-law Jeff Barrans; her granddaughter Emily Barrans; her six siblings: Dan Casetta (Janet), Todd Casetta (Fran), Joe Casetta (Julie), Noma Cassetta (Menachem), Aletha Cassetta, and Ruth (Tim). She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Steven Hicks.

The family asks that you honor her memory by calling someone you love to catch up.

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”