Shirley Therese Hickey (Wilson)

Shirley Therese Hickey (Wilson) age 93 walked into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday August 17, 2022. Shirley was born January 12, 1929 in Grand Rapids as one of four children to Thomas and Elizabeth Wilson. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband John (Bob) who passed away on June 19, 2020. Shirley and John were married for 69 years and their love and support for each other was an inspiration to their family and all of those who knew them. Also preceding her in death were her three siblings, Barbara Gillespie, Mary Lou Howell, and Tom Wilson along with several nieces and nephews. Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Judy Hardy and Susan Hickey. A son John Hickey and his wife Kathy. Four grandchildren, Ryan M. Hardy (wife Kristina), Scott J. Hardy, Jennifer Hickey (fiancé Austin Gilroy), and Jason Hickey. Bonus great grandchildren Simon and Eli Sullivan. Several nieces, nephews and cousins along with many dear friends and acquaintances whom she always treated as family. There are so many of you that it is impossible to name you all but we are grateful for each of you. Once you met Shirley she considered you her friend. Shirley was a graduate of Catholic Central High School (class of ‘46), it is during this time she volunteered with the American Legion where her dad Tom was extremely active. She loved spending time with her dad who at the time was the Director of the State Civil Service Commission. Her dad was stationed in Lansing so the time she got to spend with him was cherished. Unfortunately, her dad passed away around that same time. She was very proud of her dad and often spoke fondly of their time together. Her mother Elizabeth was a strong woman with a peaceful disposition and Shirley inherited those same traits. Shirley attended Aquinas College but left early to start a career with the Prudential Insurance company as the office manager for the local office located in downtown Grand Rapids in the Keeler Building. John and Shirley were married in 1951 and after the birth of their daughter Judy in 1953 she left Prudential and transitioned into the role of fulltime mother and housewife. She excelled at just about everything she did but quite honestly her role as mother and wife was what gave her the most satisfaction. She was very active at Holy Spirit School working with the lunch room crew and serving as a “room mother”. The kids all loved Mrs. Hickey because she was so kind to them and would always be there for them if they needed a band aid or if someone forgot their money for the Hot Dog sale. She would always ensure that their needs were met. Shirley returned to the workforce in 1977 when her youngest son John started high school. Shirley began a 17-year career at the Kent County Health Department where she worked as a clerk in the Immunization Clinic. In 1994 she retired and dedicated herself to being the world’s greatest grandma. She was a tremendous grandma and great grandma who was so generous in passing on many life lessons. Shirley was extremely proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and they are the beneficiaries of her kindness, wisdom, and service. Shirley and John were dedicated fans of West Catholic athletics and special events, they loved fall Friday nights at Falcon Stadium, winter afternoon or evenings watching basketball or volleyball in the gym or watching the ski team compete at Cannonsburg. In the spring you would find them at the baseball and softball diamonds or school plays, science fairs, all school Masses, etc. They were Falcons by choice and very proud of it. Shirley’s greatest impact that can be felt by many is her dedication to her prayer life and her Catholic faith which is her greatest legacy. Often times when visiting her or speaking on the phone with her we would be asked to “hold on a minute”, or “can I call you back” so she could say her Novena. Nobody would mind because we all knew that what she was praying for would no doubt benefit you in some way. Mom was a beautiful woman whose smile would light up a room. Her positive outlook about everything was always reassuring. Even when she did worry, she would seek forgiveness from God because she would say “God doesn’t like it when I worry, I have to have faith in His will”. For as beautiful as she is on the outside her soul is even more elegant and graceful. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11:00 am at Holy Spirt Church where she will repose one hour prior to the Mass. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Her family will receive visitors Monday from 4:00 pm -8:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance RD NW. A Rosary will be prayed Monday at 7:30 pm. The family would like to thank the staffs at Spectrum Blodgett, Mary Free Bed and Spectrum Hospice for their dedicated care. We would also like to thank Josie Seeley who was mom and dad’s housekeeper and caregiver for the last few years. Special recognition goes out to Tina Iacavoni who has become an extended family member. Tina’s professionalism and tender nursing and emotional care have been a blessing to us all. Her relationship with mom was very special. Thank you also to our many friends who have supported mom, prayed with her or just took the time to come and visit with her. She cherished each of those times and would always express to us how wonderful you all are. The family is requesting memorial donations to the Carmelite Monastery in Parnell Mi. Mom had a very special affection for the Carmelite Sisters which began when her dad would take her to the monastery for Mass and to drop off food and other essentials for the sisters at their previous location on the west side of Grand Rapids. Mom would often seek prayer requests from the Carmelites for not only herself but more times than not she would ask for their intercession for the intention of others. Friends and family members would always come to Grandma Shirl because she had the direct line to the Carmelites. Mom was so special and impacted so many people that there is not enough space to list all of her wonderful qualities and all of the people she touched. We would have to take out a full-page ad and that still would not be enough room. Her warm smile and positivity will be etched in our memories and will sustain all of us. She was so strong yet so graceful in everything she did. She truly loved all of you. Have a wonderful journey Mom, you deserve it.

Tributes

Shirley Therese Hickey (Wilson)

January 12, 1929 - August 17, 2022