Shirley Hickman

Hickman, Shirley
GREEN ISLAND - Shirley E. (LaForest) Hickman passed away peacefully, in the comfort of her home, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 73 years old. On January 15, 1952, in Cohoes, N.Y., Shirley was born into the family of Armand LaForest and Ursula Fiset. She was then raised in Cohoes by Geraldine and John Darwak. Shirley, at the age of 15, met Thomas F. Hickman while roller skating at Guptill's Arena in Latham, and were later married in Cohoes. Together, they enjoyed more than 55 years of marriage and brought two children into the world, a daughter, Sherrie; and a son, Tommy Jr. Sherrie would eventually meet and marry Arnold Abate Jr., and give Shirley the gift of two cherished grandsons, Dominic and Michael Abate, who filled her heart with pride and joy. Sadly, Tommy Jr. passed from this life at the age of eight in 1983. She loved to vacation with her family and friends, and especially enjoyed the beaches and salt air of Cape Cod and Ogunquit. Her home was a source of pride, and Shirley's family knew that with each season and holiday her home would be beautifully and appropriately decorated. There were numerous things that Shirley enjoyed, and among them were shopping, social times spent with friends and family, a good glass of white zinfandel and dining in restaurants. Shirley spent years working with the Franklin Plaza and Michael's Catering, where she loved having the ability to spend time with so many cherished coworkers. Throughout her life, Shirley was a pillar of compassion and love and had the ability to find joy in the little things in life. A gentle soul, Shirley was known for her unwavering devotion to children, both her own and those who had the good fortune of being in her care. She poured her heart into nurturing, guiding and creating a safe and loving space for every child who entered her home. Shirley was deeply committed to her family and friends, and was always available to lend a listening ear, provide support or offer a warm embrace. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and her kindness was felt by all. She will be remembered for her belief in the power of love and the gift of family. Her legacy will be carried on in the hearts of those whose life she touched. In addition to her husband, Thomas; daughter, Sherrie; son-in-law, Arnold; and grandsons, Dominic and Michael, Shirley leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Ursula (Bob) Guilianelli, Dawn Sanderson, Wilma Daniel, Gary LaForest, and Christopher (Marie) Brammer; and her sister-in-law, Carole Boudreau; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings, Jane Roberts, Armand LaForest Jr., and Joann Cusack. Also predeceased by brothers-in-law, Timothy Hickman and John Boudreau Sr. A Catholic prayer service will be celebrated for Shirley, by the Reverend Donald Rutherford, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Parker Bros. Memorial, Watervliet, and interment will immediately follow in Memory Gardens, Colonie. Friends are invited to attend and may also visit with Shirley's family on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 4 - 7 p.m., at the funeral home. For those preferring to remember Shirley with a donation to a benevolent organization, her family suggests ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or at www.stjude.org, in honor of her love for and devotion to children. Please visit Shirley's online memorial tribute at www.parkerbrosmemorial.com, where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.