Helen S. Hickey

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2022 at 5:56 pm

MEDINA – Helen Marie (Shoemaker) Hickey, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at the Medina Memorial Hospital. She had previously been cared for at home by daughters, Sue and Ann.

Helen was born in Medina in 1926, the daughter of Dr. John C. Shoemaker and Marie (Jinks) Shoemaker. Growing up in Medina, Helen loved animals and enjoyed horseback riding at Gallagher Farms and going to movies on Sunday. She graduated from Medina High School in 1942 and went on to attend the University of Michigan and was a graduate of Katherine Gibbs Institute of New York.

Helen married Thomas Hickey in 1947 and together they operated Hickey Furniture Co. for 42 years, Helen serving as decorator and bookkeeper.

Helen was a past member of the Twig Association, Cotillion Club, Bridge Club, Coterie and St. Mary’s R.C. Church. She and Tom were active boaters and members of the Oak Orchard Yacht Club and Power Squadron. They enjoyed many boat trips to Toronto and the Thousand Islands. The couple spent winters in Captiva and Fort Myers, Florida.

Helen was predeceased by Tom, her husband of 66 years and her brother, Dr. John C. Shoemaker, Jr.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Ann (Paul) Michaud and Susan (Charles) Slack of Medina; five grandchildren, Dr. Aaron (Courtney) Slack, Martin (Jennifer) Slack, Brian Slack, Dr. Matthew Michaud and Abigail (Steve) Jakubowski; eight great-grandchildren, Alana, Brendan, Emma, Bradley, Samuel, Sylvia, Liv and Mira; four nephews, James Vosteen, Bill Vosteen, Bob Vosteen and James Shoemaker; also special and most appreciated caregiver, Ellen Brege.

An hour of calling will be held on Monday, May 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, immediately followed by a graveside committal service in Boxwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY 14411, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave., Medina, NY 14103 or to Holy Trinity R.C. Parish, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Share condolences at cooperfuneralhome.com.