Search by Name

Search by Name

Dorothy Matis-Hickin Obituary

Matis-Hickin, Dorothy CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. Dorothy E. Matis-Hickin, died July 5, 2009 after a long illness. A lifetime resident of Clifton Park, Dorothy was born on September 26, 1919 to her late parents, Fredrick W. Droms III and Corabelle Johnson. She married Ernest Matis, a U.S. Army Air Force veteran in 1945. She worked for the General Electric Company from 1946 until 1953 and again from 1970 until 1982. She was also employed by the Schenectady Jewish Community Center during the years 1966-1970. Dorothy graduated from Scotia High School in 1937. She attended the University of Alabama during the years 1940-1942 and Mildred Elley Business School during the years 1943-1944. She attended the College of Saint Rose during the years 1979-1990, receiving a B.S. degree in communication arts at her 70th year of life. Dorothy married dear lifelong friend, Howard Hickin (Howie) in 1979 after being widowed for many years. Howard and Dorothy shared many pleasant years, enjoying trips, concerts and many other activities that were well-deserved. Dorothy was also a homemaker, raising two sons, Kurt Matis and Craig Matis. She enjoyed flower gardening and belonged to the Clifton Park Garden Club for many years. Dorothy was a lifelong member of Clifton Park Center Baptist Church. She was a founder of the Clifton Park Center Nursery School, one of the first pre-school child care centers in the area. Music and song were a central focus of Dorothy's life. She sang at many local churches, weddings and festive gatherings from her youth throughout her golden years. She was also an accomplished pianist. She auditioned at the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC in 1968. Perhaps Dorothy's favorite phrase was "Full of Fun". All who knew her understood that her lifelong goal was to make other people laugh and enjoy life. She did not have the capability to be mean-spirited. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. Dorothy is survived by husband, Howard; sons, Kurt and Craig; granddaughters, Karissa Matis and Jenessa Matis; nieces, Carol Custer and Linda Platel; foster siblings, Pat Drago, Joyce Hunter and Donald Urbanke; and cousin, Otto Gau. Survivors give thanks for the kind and loving care she was given, first at The Avenues nursing home in Schenectady, N.Y., then at Seton Health Schuyler Ridge Nursing Facility in Clifton Park, where she died. Our thanks go to Dr. Earl Zimmerman of the Albany Medical Center Hospital for providing clarity into the Alzheimer's disease process. This provided some comfort at a very difficult time. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route Nine, Clifton Park on Thursday, July 9, 2009 with the Reverend James Meek, officiating. Calling hours will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 8. Interment will follow the funeral service on Thursday in Clifton Park Center Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Center of Albany Medical Center, 47 New Scotland Ave., MC-65, Albany, NY 12208, Alzheimer's Association Northeastern New York Chapter, (www.alz.org), 85 Watervliet Ave., Albany, NY 12206-2083, or the Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on Jul. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Matis-Hickin

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Dorothy Matis-Hickin's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Dorothy Matis-Hickin

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Dorothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dorothy Matis-Hickin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more