Jean Marie Hicks, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 11th, 2022, at her home in Poughkeepsie, N.Y, surrounded by loved ones. She was a longtime resident of Pawling, N.Y, before relocating with her husband in 2008 to Poughquag, and then to the Eastdale Village in Poughkeepsie, in 2020. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in December of 2021, Jean was the picture of grace, dignity, and resilience for the past 6 months.
Jean was born on June 5th, 1936, in Havre, Montana to Monica and Elmer Lindstrom. Jean graduated from Havre Central High School in 1954, where she sang in the choir and excelled in the arts. She attended Northern Montana College from 1954-1955 and had aspirations of becoming a nurse. Instead, she met the great love of her life, Robert Ivan Hicks, who was stationed in Havre with the U.S Air Force and attending classes at NMC. They were married on June 16th, 1956 and immediately drove East, settling in his home town of Jackson Heights, New York. They split their time between Jackson Heights and their family’s country home in Pawling, until they became full-time Pawling residents in 1971.
Jean was a loving wife, super mom and a testimony of Jesus’ love to all who met her. She pursued several professional avenues, including work as a fashion model for the NY Times, interior designer and secretary. A devoted mother of five, Jean directed her energies primarily through her volunteer work.
Many in Pawling will likely remember her devotion and time given at St. John’s the Evangelist Church, as a religious education teacher, Lector and Eucharistic Minister, singer in the choir, and member of the Catholic Daughters. Jean and Ivan were devoted members of their local prayer groups and served as delegates to the Dutchess County Vicariate Council in 1985-1986.
Jean was passionate about helping those in need; she volunteered tirelessly for The Pawling Resource Center, Respect Life, Birth Right, The American Cancer Society and the Pawling Health Association, for which she served as president in 1986.
Jean was involved in many other community organizations, such as the Bicentennial Committee in 1976, and the PTA, and she was a constant presence and volunteer at Pawling Central Schools.
Jean was a staunch supporter of her husband’s lifelong dedication to the U.S military and volunteered her time to dozens of parades and community events, ironing his uniforms, and handing out poppies for the American Legion and Knights of Columbus.
Jean most treasured her time spent with her husband, children and grandchildren. A “green thumb”, she shared her joy for gardening, puzzles, crafts and cinema with her family. She loved animals and nature and had a great appreciation for beauty. Jean loved to read, and there were generous stacks of magazines, books and newspapers throughout her home. At a young age, Jean considered becoming a nun like Maria in “The Sound of Music”. Instead, she chose to become a wife and mother and her family feels so blessed that she did. Her kind and caring nature was evident to all who met her. She was a loyal and loving friend; a resilient and strong woman and she had a wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed dearly.
Jean is survived by her husband, Robert Ivan Hicks and their children: Gary (MaryEllen) Hicks, Scarborough, M.E; Diana (Robert) McLoughlin – LaGrange, N.Y; Debby (Robert) Osborne – Mooresville, N.C; Monica (James) LaValle, Los Angeles, C.A; Millissa(Jon Kaufman) Hicks, Denver, C.O.
Grandchildren: Bridget and Shannon Hicks; Emily, Ryan, and Kelly McLoughlin (Kelly’s fiancé, Juan Pablo Oberhauser); Chelsea (Robb) Pearson; Rob (Morgan) Osborne; Courtney (Cristian) Fernandez; Jessica and Elvis LaValle; Una Kaufman-Hicks. Great grandchildren: Robbie and Bryant Pearson; Baby Osborne due in August 2022. Sister, Rita Kiser (John) of Statesville, N.C, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Jean is predeceased by her parents and her brother, Robert Lindstrom, and sister, Elaine Hayes.
Visitation hours will be Sunday, June 19th, 2022, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, at the Horn & Thomes Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, New York,. The Catholic Daughters will conduct a brief service at 4:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 20th, at 11:00 AM, at St. John’s Church in Pawling, New York. Burial will follow at Hasler-Kamp Post American Legion Plot.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pawling Resource Center, PO Box 331, Pawling, New York, 12564, or, the charity of your choice, in Jean’s name.
