Bernadette Hickey

1923 - 2018

Bernadette M. Hickey

WORCESTER - Bernadette Marie (Early) Hickey, 94, of Worcester died on Thursday evening, May 3, 2018, at her family home.

She was born in Worcester on September 30, 1923, the oldest child of George F. and Mary (Lally) Early. She attended Blessed Sacrament Grammar School and Classical High School, before graduating from Regis College in 1945. After her graduation, she worked in Washington, D.C. for the Department of Labor before returning to Worcester to marry her late husband, Thomas A. Hickey, Jr., on February 18, 1946. She then taught in the Rochdale Public Schools before putting her career aside to raise her children.

For many years, Mrs. Hickey was active in the former Montachusett Girl Scout Council, Inc. She served as First Vice President, Chair of the Nominating Committee and on numerous committees. She also mentored many teenage scouts as they earned the Gold Award, the highest honor for Girl Scouts. She was active on the Marion Award Committee, and she guided many young Catholic scouts, including her granddaughter, to learn more about their faith as they earned the Family of God (Daisy's and Brownies), I Live My Faith (Juniors), and the Marion Award. The Diocese of Worcester recognized her work on behalf of her Catholic faith and awarded her the Elizabeth Anne Seton Medal. In 1986, Montachusett Girl Scouts awarded her the Thanks Badge.

In October of 1986, Mrs. Hickey was inducted to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the oldest yet also one of the least known organizations within the Roman Catholic Church. It was founded in the 11th century at the end of the First Crusade. Membership in this order is the highest Papal award that can be conferred on clergy and laity. Mrs. Hickey's membership entailed a personal and solemn commitment to an active apostolate aimed at fostering and supporting a viable, vigorous Christian presence in the Holy Land.

She was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish for over seventy years. She was active in the Women's Guild and served on many committees, including the parish's 125th Anniversary Celebration. She was a member of the Regis Club of Worcester, the Worcester County Women's Catholic College Club, the Fenwick Club, the Friday Afternoon Club, the Hortulus Club, and the Emerald Club. She and her late husband were founding members of the Yuletide Subscription Dance Committee.

Mrs. Hickey was predeceased by her husband in 2008. She is survived by her daughters Maria Hickey of Worcester and Christina Hickey of New York City, and her son, Thomas Hickey and his wife Kathleen, of Quechee, Vermont. Her sister, Mary Veronica Gallagher, died in 2015; her brother, former U.S. Representative Joseph D. Early, died in 2012; her brother, former Worcester Police Lt. Francis Early died in 2000; her brother George F. Early, Jr. died in 1992. She leaves six grandchildren, Christopher, Alison, Stephen, Erik, Joseph, and Nadia; eight great grandchildren, Gavin, Seamus, Jake, Madeline, Zoe, Ethan, Abigail and Grace; and twenty-seven nieces and nephews, including District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.

A period of visitation will be held Saturday, May 12, in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street in Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Parish, 353 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605, or the 365 Z Foundation, 907 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602.