Frances R. Hickey

Frances R. Hickey, age 96, wife of Joseph R. Hickey, of Phoenixville, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2020 in Seasons Hospice. Fran Hickey (nee O’Neill) was born on May 7, 1924 in Scranton, Pa. At the age of 6 she had her 1st Dance Concert and continued performing every Saturday and Sunday in a Child’s program called Mickey Grogin’s Gang until age 15 when the family moved to Philadelphia. This was the end her dancing career but the start of her future life when she met her best friend for life - Joe Hickey. Fran attended West Catholic High School for Girls and loved being at an all-girl school. At age 19, she had her 1st taste of volunteerism when she became a Nurse’s Aide to help her country in World War II. In addition, she volunteered at the local Stage Door Canteen. Fran and Joe started their wedded life together in 1950 after his graduation from college. Their 1st home was in Malvern. After 4½ years, they were transferred to California by DuPont. Fran and Joe, for the next 8½ years, were involved in program after program in Church, the children’s schools and community endeavors - loving every minute of their life in California. Upon their return to Radnor, Pa., they settled into raising their five children, volunteering in three schools and in their Church - a very fulfilling life. Due to Joe’s position with DuPont, Fran and Joe were blessed with traveling around the world, living in Sri Lanka and Mexico for three months each - both remarkable experiences. After Joe’s death at age 66, Fran continued with her activities which included her Church Choir and the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Choir. For 30 years, she traveled with the choir to many foreign countries performing under the direction of Dr. Peter Lamanna - the highlight of her life. Fran’s move to Phoenixville came in 1996 to be closer to family. She volunteered at Montgomery Geriatric Center, St Basil’s “Greats”, her daughter-in-law Jan’s Day Care, before joining the Phoenixville Hospital Volunteers (under her daughter, Pam Leiby). In 2014, she was awarded a Grandfather Wall clock for the 10,000 hours of volunteer service to the Hospital - a great honor. Fran continued to be active well into her 90’s, when she moved into a Personal Care apartment at Spring Mill, entertaining fellow residents, playing the games she loved and charming everyone. Her joy in life, next to her Family, were the many friends she gathered during her lifetime. God was good. Fran is survived by her children: Pamela S. (Joe Rollins) Leiby, of Phoenixville, Thomas R. (Teresa) Hickey, of Malvern, David J. Hickey, of Phoenixville, Sean E. (Janis) Hickey, of Phoenixville and Patricia A. Dabrowski, of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren: Ben, Meghan, Chapin, Caitlin, T.C. and Jennica; and great-grandsons: Dylan and Gavin. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents: Harriet (Lathrop) and Aloysius P. O'Neill; and five siblings. A mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 10:00 am at St. Basil the Great R.C. Church, 2300 Kimberton Road, Kimberton, PA. Officiating will be the Rev. Gary T. Pacitti. Inurnment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Conshohocken. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fran's name may be made to the Phoenixville Hospital through the Reading Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 16052, Reading PA, 19612 or to St. Basil the Great R.C. Church, 2330 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460. In order to keep family and friends in attendance safe, a mask is required for services. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Frances R. Hickey

May 7, 1924 - June 11, 2020