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Mary Fickett Obituary
The veteran daytime drama star died Thursday at her home in Virginia. She was 83.
Fickett had been an original cast member of "All My Children." It premiered in 1970. Three years later, she became the first performer to receive an Emmy Award for work on a daytime soap opera.
A native of Bronxville, N.Y., she had been a seasoned stage, film and TV actress before "All My Children." In 1958, she was nominated for a Tony Award for her Broadway role as Eleanor Roosevelt in "Sunrise at Campobello."
ABC plans to dedicate the Sept. 21 episode of "All My Children" to Fickett. Two days later, the series will end its network run.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
181 Entries
Karen Kee
June 30, 2025
Always seemed like a lovely peraon. Sad to hear of her passing. i would of loved to of been her friend and neighbor .
Leslie Redaway
October 16, 2024
Rest In Heaven
Gary Wilson
May 23, 2020
Happy 92 Birthday today Cousin Mary, RIP love cousin Gary
Gary Wilson
May 23, 2018
Happy 90th Birthday, today, Cousin Mary. Will always remember and miss our Fickett Family History talks. "RIP" love, Cousin Gary
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August 1, 2014
Please accept my sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends may the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such a tragic loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. 2 Cor. 1:2,3.
Lisa Weiner
May 4, 2014
To Mary Fickett,
You were a very talented actress. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Sharon Frazier
November 1, 2012
Thank you for sharing.
December 7, 2011
Rest in Peace Mary Fickett!! Thank you for all your years on All My Children!!!
Allison
October 24, 2011
To the family and friends of Mary Fickett. Please accpet my deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. It is not easy losing your loved one in death, but take comfort in knowing that God is here for you. James 4:8
September 30, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
May GOD guide your family by means of His holy spirit to give you strength and comfort during this time of sorrow.
D. Clark
September 25, 2011
I've been a fan of All My Children (AMC) since I was a senior in high school in 1970. We had a little black and white TV in the dry cleaners where I worked and started watching it over lunch. When I was a nursing assistant in the early seventies, all the aides would watch AMC in the patient's rooms between tasks at Midway Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Once the VCR was invented, I could tape the ABC soaps and watch them when I wasn't too busy with my family and busy career as a nurse. If I worked the night shift, I'd set the alarm to get up and watch AMC. I missed some time in the eighties and nineties when I was working on my Bachelor's and Master's degrees but I still kept up with the story lines. I always say that when I get old and stuck in a nursing home, that I hope the staff will make sure I'm as clean, warm and dry as I kept my patients over the years and that I can watch my AMC every weekday. Too bad that will never happen now. This has been a hard weekend for AMC fans and I'm so pleased that AMC dedicated an episode during its last week on TV to Ms. Fickett. I hope her passing was peaceful. God Bless from long-time fan Laura Cuddihy in Colorado.
LAKIESHA BRANDON
September 24, 2011
TO THE FAMILY OF MARY FICKETT. I HAVE WATCHED MS. FICKETT SINCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL. MS. FICKETT WAS A GREAT ROLE MODEL. SHE WILL BE MISSED GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. I PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY FIND PEACE AND COMFORT. WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY, MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL BRANDON (NEW YORK, NEW YORK)
Debbi Shafer
September 20, 2011
She was an inspiration to me and so manny others!
Carl Ellerman, Jr.
September 19, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Fickett
family, and all the people that worked
with her on All My Children. She was
always such an inspiration on the show.
Her strength and courage were always
inspiring to me. Her spirit and smile
will never be forgotten. I have missed
her ever since she's been gone from the show, and will always miss her!
AMC will be missed too! Mary, Rest in
peace.
September 16, 2011
To the Fickett Family, We are terribly sorry for the loss of your lovely mother Mary. I always remember her has being kind and loving, and wished she was my neighbor. Mary will be dearly missed by all knew her. Rest in Peace, Jean and Martin Liben, Hull MA
DIANE PHILLIPS
September 16, 2011
I HAVE WATCHED ALL MY CHILDREN FOR YEARS
AND MARY(RUTH)AND JOE MARTIN WERE WONDERFUL ACTORS AND LOVING PARENTS.I'LL
MISS SEEING HER ON THE SHOW.MAY THE LORD COMFORT HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
JANICE CHENAULT
September 16, 2011
TO THE FAMILY OF MARY FICKETT. I WILL ALWAY REMEMBER RUTH MARTIN & JOE MARTIN.I WILL MISS HER ALOT. REST IN PEACE MARY(RUTH)
Tim Guinaugh
September 16, 2011
To the Fickett family, Im so sorry to hear od your loss. She was and always will be known to me as a great actress. All My Childern hasn't been the same since she left the show. To me she will always be Ruth Martin to me.
September 16, 2011
God comfort your family,My prays are with you.
JT
glenda threatt
September 16, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lisa Weiner
September 15, 2011
To Mary Fickett,
I thought you did a great job as nurse Ruth Martin on the daytime soap opera All my Children. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends of All my Children . Lisa Weiner
Theresa Campbell
September 15, 2011
May the love of God comfort the family and give you strength during this difficult time.
B. Jones
September 15, 2011
I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Ms. Fickett. My condolences to the family. ~John 5: 28, 29~
Denise Cook
September 15, 2011
Mary Fickett played a nurse and a dotting mother... sometimes played a naive character, but always a loving person... loved her on "All My Children," you will be deeply missed by all!
David Collins
September 15, 2011
May you Rest in Peace Mary. Although I was never familiar with Ruth I will never forget Mary; her greeting of "Hello Sweetheart", her laughter, her stories of her career and her pride in her greatest accomplishments -Kenyon and Bronwyn. You were truly loved by us all in Centerville.
Deb N
September 15, 2011
I did not know Mary personally, but I so enjoyed her work. Mary did such a wonderful job on All My Children, she made Ruth Martin one of my favorite characters. My prayers and sympathy to her family.
Joyce Stewart
September 15, 2011
Mary gave her talent to the world and every heart she touched will be forever grateful! Thank You for sharing her with us. May you be comforted in knowing that you're not alone in your grief. Our hearts and prayers are with you also! Her work was not in vain! God Bless All of You!
Tara H.
September 15, 2011
Rip! Thank you for the years of great hours of enjoyment. You are missed already. My prayers are being sent to the family. I hope knowing how much us soap opera watchers loved her, will give you comfort at this time.
Michaels G
September 15, 2011
To Mrs. Mary's family I am sorry for your loss. I hope that you are comforted by God's Word the Bible and hope you trust and rely on Him to help you. Forever forget all the times she has done and know that she was loved by many people and she will truly be missed.
Thomas
September 15, 2011
I remember her ... but didn't know who she was. My condolences to her family and friends of a wonderful actress.
Sherry
September 15, 2011
This is so sad. I enjoyed her work for many years. My condolences to the family. She will be missed.
robbie oros
September 15, 2011
All of the neighbors have always thought of Mary has the gal that loves all the people she would meet. We will miss her on the street as one of our famous neighbors here in our little town in VIrginia. Mary, you are in a new neighborhood, I suspect it won't take u long to pick up your long standing roll, as best neighbor.
Deepest sympathies to your family Mary,
The Oros's from next door
debbie
September 15, 2011
i echo most of the responses i too started watching all my children with the original tara and phil brent and dr joe and ruth .. i am heartsick its going off the air next week.. i feel like i read a chapter a night of these peoples lives, although i know they are not real, but amc is and always will be a part of my life. i loved mary fickett as ruth .. my condolences to her family and friends and most of all her amc cast both past and present she was loved ..
DJ Moore
September 15, 2011
Loved Ruth such a sweet lady and great actress. My condolences to the family
Carol P
September 15, 2011
How very sad. I've watched AMC since the day it began.....along with OLTL.. You were a Huge Part of that program for many years...and a great actress....RIP..So very sorry to your family, for their loss of you.
Carol P
September 14, 2011
I was 18 years old when All My Children began in 1970 and the show has become a daily part of my life to this day 41 years later. I fondly recall Mary Fickett who portrayed Ruth Martin on the show for many years. She was a great actress and wonderful person. Thank you Mary. God bless you. Pam C. (St Petersburg, FL)
Joan Love
September 14, 2011
Mary will be remembered by many fans of AMC as a loving mother to all her children. She was an extraordinary actress and did an outstanding job. My condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues on AMC.
Kay Van Valkenburg
September 14, 2011
Godspeed Mary and God bless her family, both on and off screen. She came across as a loving and gentle soul. I started watching All My Children in 1970 when I was 17 years old and still watch it every day. I have missed her since she left the program, and I will miss AMC also. She and the show will be remembered by me always.
Nina Spencer Locke
September 14, 2011
I was a young girl when I first met Mary Fickett. I lived in Riverdale NY and Mary dated my brother Bill. She was always friendly, full of laughter, and so kind. Our two families became friends. May her family know the comfort of the Lord as they go through this time of loss.
sherquetta ingram
September 14, 2011
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth
September 14, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Fickett family. May the words found at Job14:13-15 bring you comfort.
September 14, 2011
To the family Mary, may the God of all comfort, comfort you in all at thie difficult time.(2cor 1:3, 4)
LA, MO
September 14, 2011
I started AMC from day one as many did raising our families too. There was no finer 2 mothers with love and admiration then Ruth and Kate
My love and prayes to her family and the family she had on AMC
Sharon Heabeart Harper Woods, Mi.
Dawn Furnish
September 14, 2011
Oh the memories of AMC... RIP Ms. Fickett....
Roberta McKenna
September 14, 2011
I have watched AMC since it's first day, and continue to do so. I, along with so many others will see this award winning show out with a tear in my eye. "Ruth" could always be counted on to be the voice of reason amidst chaos. Somehow I think that is exactly she lived her life away from scripts. With heartfelt condolences to her family, she will be missed and warmly remembered.
J Maddox
September 14, 2011
Sorry to hear of Mary Fickett passing. I remember her when she played the part of Ruth Martin as did others. Rest in peace.
Michelle Woods-Anderson
September 14, 2011
I have been a fan of All My Children since he 70's. Thanks Mary Fickett for being a role model.
September 14, 2011
Our world just got a little darker.
charles bostic@family
September 14, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Sharon Alley
September 14, 2011
You were an amazing actress on All My Children and it was hard not to identify so strongly with the great TV Mom that you were. I watched you though all my teenage yrs and beyond. Thanks for the memories. Rest in peace
September 14, 2011
I felt like Mary was the June Cleaver of the soap world...I send my sympathy to her family
September 14, 2011
Please accept our deepest condolences. We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Ms Mary Fickett. May your family find comfort from the GOD of comfort in this time of grief. (2Cor.1:3&4) Atlanta,Ga.
September 14, 2011
RIP
Carleen Bradbury
September 14, 2011
Thank you for sharing your talent and a bit of yourself each day with us. My prayers are with your family.
olivia syschyk
September 14, 2011
i remember watching all my chidren many yrs ago. i usually would enjoy it with a place of beans or sauerkraut and a slug of kielbasa. i dont watch the show anymore though i do still enjoy an occassional kielbasa.
Eloise Jones
September 13, 2011
RIP MARY
Shirl Lynam
September 13, 2011
Mary you may be gone, but not forgotten! The same thing happened on Guiding Light (75 years) with the actress who played Nancy Hughes past shortly before the final episode.
God's Blessings to YOU and your family! You will be missed so will AMC.
I really don't know what the networks are thinking in taking away our TV families. SOAPS have stood the tests of time. Not all others including PrimeTime shows can say that! Shirl from PA
Maggie Denson
September 13, 2011
Mary will be remembered by so many fans of AMC. It is very sad it will be leaving ABC so soon. Mary was one of a kind and did a superb job as the doctor's wife, Joe Martin. Will miss you Mary!
Susan Rayasa
September 13, 2011
You were an amazing actress on All My Children and it was hard not to identify so strongly with the great TV Mom that you were. I watched you though all my teenage yrs and beyond. Thanks for the memories. Rest in peace
MYRA
September 13, 2011
ALL MY CHILDREN IS NOT LEAVING, IT IS SHINNING WITH ALL IT'S STARS WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE, MARY FICKETT, YOU ARE TAKING IT HOME. A FITTING END TO THE STORY!
Linda
September 13, 2011
What a wonderful actress and a joy to watch. May God bless you and your family.
Susie Janow
September 13, 2011
I remember watching All My Children when Ruth Martin was on and also her husband Doctor Joe Martin Mary Fickett will be missed.
Judy
September 13, 2011
Thank you for all of the life lessons you taught us about the importance of family. The world would be a better place if we had more people like you. RIP with your friends Kate, Phoebe, Charles, Mona, Palmer and Myrtle.
Carol Naylor
September 13, 2011
Truly a wonderful actress. She will be missed by all of her AMC fans. My parents became fans b/c of my visiting with them and HAVING to watch AMC. God bless Marys family, both of them!
Catherine Fink
September 13, 2011
Rest in peace Mary,u will be sadly missed,In my eyes you were the true(Ruth Martin)on ALL MY CHILDREN.I'm sending my deepest condolences to your family and friends.God Bless!
September 13, 2011
So sorry to hear about Ruth Martin's death. Have been watching All My Children, for a long time Got to see her When Ted got Married the last time, Sure going to miss the Show Heidi Roland Montgomery Alabama
Wanda Woodgate
September 13, 2011
It's with heartfelt condolences that I express my deepest sympathy in the loss of Mary. I watched All My Children and know her as Ruth Martin. Your Legacy will live on; as you were a great entertainer and well respected and loved by so many who watched All My Children. My prayers and thoughts are with you and God bless your family at this time of need. God needed another angel in heaven. May you rest in peace Mary AKA Ruth Martin.
gregory hines
September 13, 2011
Mary Fickett was the "heart" of ALL MY CHILDREN. those of us who loved her missed her everyday. i hope family finds comfort in the outpouring of love being sent their way.
gloria ferrer
September 13, 2011
sorry to hear ruth martin death i watch since jan 5 1970 i still watch and never missed a show i loved the episodewhen they found tad and grammy and joe made a little boy feel loved
Lisa Jackson
September 13, 2011
To Mary's family,
Please accept my deepest condolences
for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
It was an absolute pleasure to have met Mary on PEI where she once owned a cottage that I use to clean for her every summer. She was a wonderful and kind person. I use to love watching her shows. AMC wasn't the same when she left. She was a great actress. She will be missed by everyone who had the privilege to have known her.
RIP Mary, We Love You!
Linda Forst
September 13, 2011
I am so sorry to hear this. What a classy woman. I started watching All MY Children in high school when it first came on and of all the characters that come and go, everyone will have a place in their heart for "Ruth Martin".
Nancy Castellow
September 13, 2011
I loved her as Ruth, I'm sad from her passing.
R J Abraham JR
September 13, 2011
I watched All My Children since High School 1973 from after school to before work. I loved Ruth and Joe Martin. They were like Family. Bless you Mary!
Virginia Sansone
September 13, 2011
My condolences to the family of Mary. I watched the All My Children show from the beginning until I went to work in 1971 to 1973 and then again from 1973 until i again had to go to work in 1991. I worked for 10 years but kept abreast of the show from the synopsis in the papers. I retired in 2001 and we moved the day after 9/11/01 to Michigan. Mary was the best. She was so kind and gentle on the show and everyone loved her. I am sorry for your loss.
September 13, 2011
I LOVED HER AS RUTH MARTIN , SHE WAS GREAT A FAN
Brenda Layne
September 13, 2011
You will be greatly missed, but memories of your acting, generosity, and spirit, will soar among the angels, and live within us for many years to come. Thank you for entertaining us throughout the years, and may your family know you were always loved and respected. Rest in peace my TV friend.You gave us hope, love, and peace within. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you enter into eternal life. God bless your family in their time of sorrow.
Dorothy Crisp
September 13, 2011
My condolences to the family, may she rest in peace.
September 13, 2011
Thank you for many years of viewing enjoyment on AMC. You will be missed, my sympathies to your family and friends.
Maria Cassidy
September 13, 2011
I am deeply sorry to hear of Mary's passing. My thoughts in prayers at with her family the the whole AMC cast she sure will be missed.
Pat
September 13, 2011
RIP, Mary.
September 13, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Liz Hernandez - San Antonio,TX
A Fan
September 13, 2011
May the Angels welcome her into the heavenly kingdom.
Eternal rest grant unto her and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace, Amen.
Ann Stockum
September 13, 2011
She was amazing as Ruth Martin, she will be sadly missed as well as 'All My Children'
Paula Bray
September 13, 2011
Paula Bray
Sharon G.
September 13, 2011
As 'Ruth Martin', Mary was the voice of reason and the head of the Martin clan. She was a wonderful actress who was so naturally talented. There has been an element missing to the show since she left that her predecessor could not fill. May she now rest in peace. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Henryk Zaleski
September 13, 2011
Rest in peace.
September 13, 2011
Begin your Guest Book entry here.I have watched All My Children many years. My prayers will be with her family. N.H. Alabama
Cathy Vanacore
September 13, 2011
I loved Mary for so many years, she will be missed, my thoughts and prayer's are with "both" of your families. God Bless
Judy
September 13, 2011
May she rest in peace.
Bonnie Seme
September 13, 2011
Mary was a wonderful actress. She played her role like her AMC family was hers. I watched AMC for many years & always admired Mary. She touched so many hearts. My thoughts & prayers are with you. God Bless !!!
Kim Lombardo
September 13, 2011
I am a huge All My Children Fan and I missed her when she left the show years ago . May she rest in Peace and to her family my prayers are with you and yours.
Joan DeVries
September 13, 2011
TO EVERYONE ON ALL MY CHILDREN HER AND JOE WAS MEANT TO BE TOGETHER . She will be missed and so will the whole cast.. I have watched all my children every since they have been on the air. So sad it's ending. Don't know what I'm going to do now. Hope to see the others on something else they will be missed. joan devries {gulfport ms]
Dottie Lindsay
September 13, 2011
Mary was a great actress .She was such a natural .You know you will be missed by all of your Family ,Friends, Fans .
Jennifer Petra-Potter
September 13, 2011
Prayers to the family. A AMC fan forever.
Libby Booker
September 13, 2011
May you, her family find solace in knowing she was a role model for many. She played such a doting mother, wife and nurse and I feel she was the same in real life. My memories of her are wonderful. I watched this show for years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
B F
September 13, 2011
To the Fickett family: Mary (Ruth) will be missed by all. I enjoyed her on AMC.
My prayers are with you and her AMC family
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