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BORN
1952
DIED
2010
Elizabeth Hickey Obituary
Elizabeth Marie Sterritte Hickey, age 58, died on Sept. 28, 2010, at 7:30 a.m., at her Camarillo home surrounded by her loved ones. Betty fought valiantly against an aggressive form of breast cancer following the diagnosis in June of 2008.
Betty was born on June 16, 1952, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Born and raised on the East Coast, at the young age of 19 traveled west and fell in love with California.
Betty was predeceased by her father, Frank Sterritte, in 1965.
She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Thomas Hickey; her two daughters, Rashida Lang Eldridge and Lolita Elisabel Sterritte; son-in-law, Matthew Eldridge; and fiance of Lolita, Robert Quaschnick. Betty is also survived by her mother, Marjorie Sterritte, and her three older sisters, Nancy Theado, Suzanne Maurer, and Kathryn Brown. Her extended family also included mother-in-law, Patricia Hickey, sister-in-law, Kathy Hickey, and brother-in-law, Dennis Hickey, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who were an important part of her life.
A lifelong lover of all types of music, Betty was an accomplished and self-taught jazz flautist and singer. For the past 20 years, Betty was a member of Nuestro, a salsa and Latin jazz band with a loyal following, playing gigs and events all over Ventura County. In addition to her music, her day job was working as an optician who for over 20 years worked in the office of Dr. Thomas and Carol Funnell, a family optical practice that was like her second family.
Among Betty's passions were gardening and traveling with her husband, girls, and extended family. Travels included cruises throughout the world, and motorcycle excursions with husband Tom to national parks and wine country up and down the West Coast. The two also shared a passion for food and cooking together in their home. Betty loved the out of doors and physical activities; yoga, hiking, and mountain biking were all integral parts of her daily life.
Betty and her two daughters had a special closeness that was evident to all; at the time of her death, Betty was anticipating the birth of her first grandchild, Baby Boy Eldridge, in February of 2011.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many family members, friends, and staff members of Hospice VITAS. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6, location to be announced.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Hickey
Mary Zeravica
October 29, 2010
I was very fortunate to be a friend & classmate of Betty's from Grade school through H.S. Graduation. Unfortunately we lost touch after that as we each went our separate ways. Betty was always so positive, fun-loving and had such a zest for life. My deepest condolences to her extended families & friends. The world needs many more people like Betty.
Tony and Vickie Patton
October 26, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to the Sterritte/Hickey families at this time. We were surprised and saddened to hear of Betty's passing. We only knew Betty through Dr. Funnel's office when we went in for our annual eye exam. What a warm, and colorful person she was, and we always asked for her advice in choosing our new eyeglass frames. It was always a joy to see her there.
She will be missed!
October 25, 2010
We send our love and prayers to you during this time of sorrow. Betty was a beautiful, musically gifted person who loved Tom and her children dearly. Our family will keep Betty in our memories forever, especially those Christmas times in California and our family games we played together with Tom, Betty and the girls. May the comfort of God help you during this time. Love, Tim, Marcia (cousin to Tom) and Taylor Little (Denver, Colorado)
October 21, 2010
Dear Suzie and Tom, please accept our deepest sympathies for the passing of Suzie's sister Betty. May God Bless her. Judi and Frank
Julene Yanez
October 19, 2010
My heart broke when I learned Betty had passed. She radiated warmth and kindness. She was the very best jazz flutist and scatter I have ever heard.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Veverka
October 16, 2010
We did not have the pleasure of meeting you, Dear Betty, but your big sis Suzi has shared wonderful stories.
Rest in sweet peace and look for my little sis, Kim, "up there" so you both can shine down upon those of us who miss you so much...we realize that your SWEET PEACE is most important.
Susan Meaney
October 16, 2010
Our family sends our love and sympathy to you and your family.
Love, Doug, Susan, Steven, Sheila, Kevin Meaney
David Holmes
October 13, 2010
Our condolences to brother Tom and family for their loss. From Al the First XSNGH and his brothers of E Clampus Vitus.
Bridget Meaney Myers
October 12, 2010
Betty had such an incredible smile, and her kindness and warm heart will be greatly missed. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
vicki unger
October 12, 2010
Deepest sympathy to the Sterritte and Hickey families. Betty will always be remembered in the fondest of ways. Her warm smile and kindness will live on through those she touched. This is how she will live on and be recalled. Bless all of you at this very tragic time.
Vicki Unger Hochman
Wheatley '70
Joseph Elterman
October 12, 2010
Rest in peace, sweet spirit.
Lynneve Hays
October 11, 2010
Betty, Your soft spoken & gentle ways will be missed terribly. We love you! They always say God takes the best one's first.
Mwah, The Hays Family
Gail Yarnell
October 11, 2010
My first impression of Betty came several decades ago, when we first met in High School. Apparently the warm, spirited person back then never lost her energy and zest for life. It is with this in mind, I find it reassuring she is survived by a family who, I am certain, possess many of her fine qualities. My deepest condolences...
Kenlyn and Bob Blecker & Family
October 11, 2010
We will remember Betty's zest for life and her warm and loving presence as we send our love and support to all her family. Betty's love for living each day to the fullest is an inspiration to all of us who will greatly miss her.
Shirley & Don Hays
October 11, 2010
Betty was a great Mom, wife, friend and cousin. She was so admired by all. Her fight against breast cancer was so very courageous. She was a total roll model for whomever needs to know what to do in hard times such as that. Rest in Peace Sweet Betty. We love and miss you and your warm and fun smile. Hugs Don & Shirley
Cheryl Goodrich
October 11, 2010
I meant Betty at Dr Funnels office.She was always so kind and helpful for what ever you needed.I always loved walking in and seeing her beautiful smile she will truly be missed.I pray for you all in your time of lost and sorrow.My God be with in you all. God Bless Cheryl Goodrich
October 10, 2010
I will miss you so very much. You were so kind, gentle and patient with all the world, and the world will be less one beautiful person. Mama Pat
Pam Panzarino-Hyde
October 10, 2010
The friendly, lively, fun-loving girl I knew in high school sounds like she grew into a warm, well-rounded active adult who clearly had a passion for living life on her terms and in her own special way. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
October 10, 2010
My Heart goes out to Betty's Family. I didnt have the pleasure of being friendly with Betty in High School. But I do remember her. God Bless her family
Beatrice R Thiel Zasowski
Andrea Chock-Carlin
October 10, 2010
My high school memories of Betty were of a sweet, lovely young lady, always true to her own feelings and ideas, never just following the crowd. My heart goes out to her family and friends, may your loving memories serve y ou in your time of grief and always. Andrea Chock Carlin (formerly of Roslyn, NY, Houston, TX)
Dave Berwald
October 10, 2010
I knew Betty back in High School. I remember her being very approachable and having a fine sense of humor. Someone you'd want to get to know. I'm sure she must have touched a lot of people along the way. New York's loss was California's gain.
Barry Lipsky
October 10, 2010
I had the pleasure of being in a number of classes with Betty. She had a warm smile, a sunny dispsoition and was a kind and loving women all those years ago. My thougts and prayers are with her loved ones. I hope the dear Lord grants them peace and serenity and may they be comforted by their memories of such a sweet woman.
October 9, 2010
Although I did not have the wonderful pleasure of personally meeting Betty, I have heard many outstanding stories and comments about her through the Funnell family, whom I have grown to love & respect this past year. My heart goes out to Betty's family , & friends during this very difficult time. May I offer my deepest condolences, & encourage people to continue the fight to end this terrible disease called "Breast Cancer". Prayers & Hugs, Dawn Renee Marlow
Jennifer Marlow
October 9, 2010
Although i only met your beautiful self just one brief time when my boyfriend "Evan" whose parents you worked with for so many years introduced us while visiting in the shop, you were such a bright being and had the kindest and warmest smile. You touched many lives and i wish i had gotten to know you better! The other night Carol danced to your music with my 5 wk old daughter and it was the only thing that would calm her down. You were so great at playing the flute! RIP
Barry Brown
October 9, 2010
Do not let your grief be measured by her worth . . for then your sorrow has no end. Betty will always be a prominent and permanent 'living' memory for those of us who respected and admired her peace and calming aura.
Wendy Hoffman
October 9, 2010
Betty was a loving and kind person with a wonderful, positive outlook on life. I am heartbroken. I send my condolences to the entire Sterritte and Hickey families and will attend the memorial service next month for a final goodbye.
Richard and Patricia Van Remortel
October 9, 2010
Lovely Betty will be missed by so many. We were saddened to learn of her passing.
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