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Jeanette La Vern Hickey

FUNERAL HOME

Steuerle Chapel - Villa Park

350 South Ardmore Avenue

Villa Park, Illinois

Jeanette Hickey Obituary

Name: Visitation for Jeanette La Vern Hickey
Start: 2016-02-16T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-02-17T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Steuerle Chapel - Villa Park

Hickey, Jeanette La Vern, age 88, died at her Villa Park home on Friday, February 12, surrounded by her family in a room filled with pictures of her children and their families. Born on May 10, 1927, to Jeanette "Jennie" Hannephin (nee Mulcahey), Mrs. Hickey was the granddaughter of Mary Cairns and Thomas Mulcahey of Chicago. Very early in Jeanette's childhood she was taken in by Claire Lillian Strawn and her then husband Arthur Bernard Strawn. Jeanette first lived in Bellwood and later in a near-west-side neighborhood near Garfield Park. She would often visit the nearby Garfield Park Conservatory, developing a lifelong love of plants and flowers. Later, as an adult and mother, she would take her children to enjoy the Conservatory's beautiful botanic displays. She was especially fond of orchids. As a teenager she became a majorette and marched in parades in several out of state cities during World War II. Also, Jeanette became an excellent roller skater. As she neared the age of eighteen, Jeanette was adopted by Claire Strawn who loved and raised her. Jeanette met her future husband, William Henry Harris at a Chicago roller skating rink while he was on a weekend pass from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center during World War II. In 1945, while Seaman Harris was on temporary assignment on the East coast, she and Mr. Harris were married in Baltimore, Maryland. The newlyweds first lived in Chicago. Then they moved to Stickney Township, staying with Jeanette's adopted sister and brother-in-law, Frances and David Black and their son, Charles. In 1952, the family purchased a home in Palos Hills. There, they had a very large vegetable garden and Jeanette canned and pickled its produce. Jeanette grew a variety of flowers that bordered their Cape Cod style home. While raising her growing number of children, Jeanette worked as a part-time bus driver; she often took her children with her on the bus. During the summers, Jeanette took her children to the Willow Springs Swimming Pool for Red Cross swimming lessons. Jeanette and her family enjoyed boating, aquaplaning, swimming and the beach in the Illinois Chain of Lakes. Often, on very hot summer days she would take her children to Rainbow Beach, on Chicago's lakefront. She, her husband and their seven children took several vacations to Marathon Key, Florida in their non-air conditioned red Ford Falcon station wagon with a much larger 17 foot boat in tow. They traveled on non-interstate routes through the Great Smokey Mountains. Later, Jeanette took five of her children to see Expo 67 in Montreal, Canada in her first of three Mustang convertibles, a shiny new 1967 Kelly green Mustang. Jeanette and William Harris divorced and she later married John William Hickey, a native of Hackensack, New Jersey. They first met at the Lake and Park Inn, in Palos Hills. Both were drawn by the venue's country western music. They and their daughter, Lynette "Lynn" moved to Villa Park in 1980. Jeanette and her husband bought a cottage in Woodsmoke Ranch near Seneca, in LaSalle County, IL. They loved its western atmosphere, complete with an old western town motif which included: staged gun-fights, barn with stabled horses, general store, saloon, and swimming pool. At nearby Seneca, they watched boats passing on the Illinois River while having dinner at the yacht club. In the 1950s, Mrs. Hickey worked for the Clark School Bus Company of Palos Hills and later worked as a North Palos School District 117 crossing guard. In the mid 60's she went to work for the Palos Hills Police Department as a radio dispatcher and also worked as a Pinkerton security guard. In 1975, Jeanette was employed by the Illinois Department of Employment Security and was an administrative assistant when she retired in 1989. In retirement, she once again became a part-time school bus driver. This provided her the opportunity to ferry Olympians during the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. Jeanette was: a Past Worthy Matron of the Cyrene Chapter 454, Order of the Eastern Star, Oak Lawn; a Guardian of Job's Daughters, Villa Park Chapter; and past member of: Women of the Moose; Villa Park Garden Club; District 117, Quinn School PTA; In-ternational Association of Personnel in Employment Security. Jeanette enjoyed musicals, plays and 1940s, 50s and country western music. She adored her pet dogs, cats and birds. She had a passion for travel. Jeanette visited Canada, Ireland, Japan, Puerto Rico and Hawaii and traversed the continental United States. Mrs. and Mr. Hickey often drove their large motor home on their travels. She and her husband enjoyed taking their daughter, Lynn and several of their grandchildren on convention trips. Mrs. Hickey was preceded in death by her husband, John Hickey; her daughter, Sandra Hooker and her siblings, Mary Mauter, Charles Hannephin, Russell Elliott; Merrill Hannephin and her adopted sister, Frances Cleo Black; Ms. Hickey is survived by seven children: William (Suzanne) Harris of Naperville, IL; Lee (Milda) Harris of Palos Park, IL; Claude Harris of Largo, FL; John Harris of Richmond Beach, WA; Jeanette (Michael) Marback of New Lenox, IL and Meda (Gary) Thyer of Corona, CA; Lynette (Donald) Ball, Villa Park, IL; thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren and also is survived by her brother, Le Roy Feldman Jenkinson of Bedford, NH. Visitation on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Steuerle Funeral Home, 350 S. Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park, IL. Lying in state Wednesday, February 17, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:30 a.m. at Community Congregational Church, 410 S. Cornell, Villa Park, IL. Interment to follow at Arlington Cemetery in Elmhurst, IL. For additional information 630-832-4161.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeanette Hickey

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

28 Entries

Theresa Lacken

February 18, 2016

I had the privilege to meet Jeanette in Jan.1996 when she kindly took me into her home for the following 7 months while I worked with her Daughter Lynn at Jenny Craig. Being a long way from Ireland Jeanette made me feel like one of her own family and did everything she could to make me feel at home. I will never forget her hospitality and kindness to me during my stay. I was so glad she got to visit Ireland that year and visit my home. My one abiding memory of Jeanette will always be of her driving her beloved Gold Mustang Convertible which to me sums up her character as a true classic and irreplaceable. At dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Susie and Kenny Walston

February 17, 2016

Billy, Lee, Claude, Jeanette, John, Meda, Lynn. So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was the last of the "old guard" moms from 75th Avenue. Remembering the trip to Expo '67. Seems so long ago and also like it was yesterday. We shall fondly remember her as she was from our childhood days. She had a good long run. Rest in peace, Mrs. Harris.

Susie and Kenny Walston
(Palos Hills neighbors)

Eric Jenkinson

February 16, 2016

Eric (Michelle) Jenkinson nephew to Jeanette. We send our condolences. She will be missed dearly.

February 16, 2016

We remember her so well when she visited her daughter, Sandy, in Columbus, Ms. We had the best time laughing and fixing the best dinners at Sandy's house. She was of strong character and resolve with a sweet smile and laugh. My wife,Brenda, and I will miss her as we also miss Sandy. Not a day goes by that we do not see something in nature and how it reminds us of the both of them. God Bless her soul and God Bless all of her family!
Sid and Brenda Caradine
Columbus, Ms.

Liz Hoelle

February 16, 2016

Jeanette was a devoted mother and grandmother. She gave me good advice when I was having babies and later raising teenagers. As Grandma to my three children, Beth, Will & Dan, she spent many summers traveling to visit them. She took Beth to Hot Springs, Arkansas one summer along with her husband, John and daughter, Lynn. Grandma made sure Beth received treatments for her juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Beth remembers this trip fondly. Will & Dan would go along on excursions to the flea market and usually come back with some special prize. She will be missed but our memories of times spent together bring a smile to our faces. I know that she is now reunited with many including her grandson, Daniel Harris. Sending prayers and love to all.

From the Staff of Steuerle Funeral Home, Ltd.

February 16, 2016

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Sue Johnson

February 15, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Jeanette was a special woman, caring, and generous. She welcomed me and my children into her home as if we were family. At Easter my children got baskets just like her 'real' grandchildren did. We were included in family celebrations; in fact the first wedding shower my daughter attended was at Jeanette's house, not at one of my relatives' homes. She and her daughters made me feel like one of the family and I am forever grateful. Jeanette will be missed by all who knew her.

Tod Taylor

February 15, 2016

My favorite memory of Grandma is of her coming to visit, zipping up to the farm in her convertible gold mustang...the kids loved cruising with her in it...who has the cool grandma...

Mark Crane

February 15, 2016

Charming, unpredictable and funny in her own way. Her legacy will live on through her children and their families. God rest her soul in peace.

Milda Harris

February 15, 2016

I love you grandma! I have so many memories! The most cherished are of course every holiday surrounded by family, a house full of them, with you at the center of it all! It was the definition of family holidays and they were so much fun as well as full of so much love! I have tons of traveling memories too. As a little girl, I remember driving in the camper to visit Brian and Aunt Meda in Kansas. Of course I also remember fun times at Woodsmoke Ranch as a kid - that place was great! I loved the horses, western theme, the pool, and camping out! IAPES conventions are some of my fondest travel memories with you, going to Sacramento, Nashville, and Puerto Rico! Our trip to Hawaii with June was amazing too - we did so many fun things from a volcano walk to seeing Pearl Harbor to going to a Luau to having Kona coffee in Kona! And the roadtrip we took with my dad through Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wyoming, etc. was an epic adventure as well! You also drove with me to graduate school in Miami one year and we made the trip in 24 hours! I was impressed that we made the trip so fast! And most of all, I loved that Citrus and Zofija finally got to meet you this past summer. It was beautiful seeing them with you. Thank you for so many amazing memories!!! I love you!

Heather Wilson-Hooker

February 15, 2016

My Grandmother was always there for not only her children but her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She taught me how wonderful family is. Her home was always open for the family to gather for holidays, and I have many fond memories of spending time there with her.I remember playing on her waterbed, and riding along in her gold mustang, and snuggling up to watch Shirley Temple films. Her laugh was contagious, that it would brighten the room. I miss you and Love you Grandma

Ed Hillyer

February 15, 2016

I am very sorry for your loss. She was a very nice person to us and seemed that way with everyone.She will be missed greatly!

Kathy Sheldon

February 15, 2016

Lynn and Family, your Mom was always a kind and gracious soul filled with grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love Grandma and Aunt Kathy

Bill Harris

February 15, 2016

Of course there are many treasured memories but one that came to mind when I was talking to Beth and Will was the Christmas we spent at Mom's when they were growing up. All the grandkids had great times and there was so much to see because Grandma created a Christmas train town around the tree along with all the presents. She made a Christmas wonderland!

Debbie Richards

February 15, 2016

Praying for all of you during this difficult time. Jeanette will be missed by anyone who knew her. She was an amazing friend and neighbor. She always had a smile on her face and was so warm and caring. ❤

Eve Looez

February 15, 2016

So very sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet and kind lady, she always had a smile on her face. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Anna Maria Dolecki

February 15, 2016

Lynn, I am very sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort during this difficult time.

With love,
Anna and Stan Dolecki

Lynn Ball (Hickey)

February 15, 2016

Nikki Hillyer

February 15, 2016

My deepest condolences go out to all family and friends of Jeanette. Her kind heart and generous nature have touched the lives of many, and will forever leave a lasting impression on me. It has truly been an honor to know such an amazing woman, and a blessing to have her in my life. Thank you Jeannette for all you have done for me. You will be forever in my heart.

Meda Thyer

February 15, 2016

Memories of my mother. Riding along on the school bus then going home to work out with the TV, She was my crossing guard as I walked to school, my drivers ed teacher, sewing teacher, cooking teacher, I can roll my own crust thanks to Mom. She helped me grow and put up with my teenage years, she showed me how to be a mother by being a loving caring mother. Birthdays and holiday, summer vacations the drives in the car nothing seems to much for her, nothing to hard, never exhausetd by caring for all of her children she would even take on other people's children. Add more water to the soup, make an extra easter basket for a friends child everyone is welcome in Mom's home there is always enough room and love to go around. That is my mother she will be missed by many as she touched so many. Love you Mom

Kimberly

February 15, 2016

So so Sorry for your loss. Grandma's always rock, even in heaven. xo

Adella aleman

February 15, 2016

Prayers to the Family and friends of Jeanette, thank you for making me smile and remembering who I was. You will be missed. RIP

Melissa Diaz

February 15, 2016

So sorry for your loss praying for you and your family

Natalie Marback-Stalings

February 15, 2016

I will always remember my Grandma whenever watching Jeopardy, Dancing with the Stars, or any black and white movies. I am so proud of all she accomplished and experienced in her life: world travel, bus driver for 1996 Olympics (I liked to believe she met my favorite gymnasts while watching these Olympics as a kid), woman police officer, mother of eight, grandmother and great-grandmother of many! I will also remember her for her love for her birds, specifically, 'Baby'! I will also reflect on so many holidays packed in her home. :) I am grateful that she was able to stay at home through her late years and lived a wonderful life. Miss and love you, Grandma! See you on the other side. xoxo - Natalie

Ginny Talbert

February 14, 2016

Jeanette was a very special lady to me when I was growing up in the Harris household. The summer I spent with her and Lynn was very life changing for me & I often reflect on that time. Sending my condolences to her family.

Karen Eisner

February 14, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Jeanette's passing. She was a wonderful woman and a very nice neighbor to my mom. I pray you are comforted in knowing she is resting in the arms of our Lord, Jesus! And we will all be reunited again! Forever! Praying for your family!