Lorraine C. Hickey

Lorraine C. Hickey

Of Stallings, NC

Mrs. Hickey, 88, passed away on November 7, 2025.

Lorraine was born on December 10, 1936 in Glassport, PA, daughter of Leon Francis and Cecelia Marie (Mularski) Gniefkowski.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leon and Cecelia Gniefkowski; her beloved husband, William Hickey and a sister, Rita Tragesser.

Lorraine married Bill in 1985, lived in Maryland where they finished out their work careers. Retiring on the golf course in South Carolina they became avid golfers and enjoyed living near the beach. SC wasn't warm enough for Bill so they moved to Florida and set sail on many cruises including the Panama Canal crossing. Eventually it was time to get closer to family and Summit Hills in Spartanburg offered lots of senior activities. Lorraine swam in the indoor pool and sang in the choir, making many dear friends. The most notable is Buddy her beloved toy poodle. In 2023 Lorraine and Buddy made a move to Austin Village in Stallings, NC. downsizing to a 1 bedroom apartment where BINGO and "horse racing" became weekly events. Once again they were surrounded by welcoming friends who offered much help and support in recent times.

Left behind to cherish her memories are her children, Lynda Piacentino (Michael), Jeffrey Ferri (Elizabeth) and Richard Ferri (Brenda); step-children, Stephen Hickey (Elaine), Patrick Hickey (Louise), Joel, Linda and Marc Hickey; her siblings, Leo Gniefkowski, Ruth Watson and Celine Skerkowski; grandchildren Adam Piacentino (Cindy), Alina Ptaszynski (Matt), Vince Piacentino (Chelsea), Mia Gantt (Toney), Eric Ferri (Casey), Kristin Irwin, Kevin Ferri(Kelly Black), Nicole Roberson, Rick, Kyle and Bella Ferri; 8 step-grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Her funeral mass will be on November 19 at 11:00 in St Luke's Catholic Church on Fairview Road in Mint Hill.

She will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery beside her husband, William, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home- Indian Trail Chapel. Online condolences may be left at www.heritagecares.com.