Ellen Jean Hickey

Ellen Jean Hickey, a longtime resident of Oak Park, Il., passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, after a short illness. She is survived by her brothers and sisters Betty (the late Darrell) Brooks, Marsha Hickey, John (Becky) Hickey, Edward Hickey, Barbara (Arthur) Elizondo and Carol (Thomas) Gifford. She was a fun and caring aunt to her nephews and nieces Brendan, Patrick, Eric, Elaina, Matthew, Erin, Caylin and Sebastian, and to her great nieces Jacquelyn and Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her parents John J. Hickey and Margaret A. Hickey (Boucher).
Ellen was born on June 10, 1950, in Joliet, IL. Her family moved to Texas until 1957 when they settled in Oak Park. She is a graduate of St. Giles Grammar School and OPRF High School. She always commuted to downtown Chicago via the Metra train working for Santa Fe Industries and many years with Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council. She earned and enjoyed her retirement in 2014. In her retirement, among other things, she helped run her condo association as Treasurer (where she lived for over 40 years). Ellen was an avid reader and loved attending and trading books at the Oak Park Library Book Fair. Throughout her life she had many long-time friends, colleagues and family to keep her busy. She especially liked to treat family and friends to breakfast. She will be missed and appreciated for her love and generosity.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen's memory to the Oak Park Library, Edwards-Elmhurst Hospital or a charity of your choice.
All are invited to gather to celebrate Ellen's life at the Mass of Christian Burial that will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park, IL. A private family inurnment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, Il, where she will be buried next to her parents.