HICK, MARIE
Addressed affectionately as “Mimz”, age 79 of East Grand Rapids, formerly of Oak Park, Illinois, and born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Passed away Thursday, November 20, 2014. She had beautiful blue eyes which could make you feel that you were the most important person in the world.
Mimz is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert. Children, Andy (Suzy) Hick, Dr. Paul (Dr. Lisa) Hick; grandchildren, Jennifer, Amy, Martha and Susanna, Lake Hick; brother, Roger (Lois) Carlson. Mimz was especially proud of her grandchildren who loved and adored her.
Mimz was awarded the degree of Masters of Social Work and was a school social worker in both elementary schools and high schools. She served most recently in the public schools of Sparta, Michigan, where she won a state wide award for professional excellence. She was an accomplished cross-country and downhill skier. In 1986 Mimz was the innocent victim of an automobile collision which partially paralyzed her. Her optimism and determination were inspiring. She refused to allow her injuries to limit or define her identity or her life.
Mimz, a certified master gardener, dearly loved being a member of the Kent Garden Club where a special interest of hers was serving on the club’s Ken-O-Sha committee where members worked closely with school children with physical and sometimes social deficits on projects involving flowers and plants. At Ken-O-Sha, Mimz often found that the wheelchair, the braces and the other devices she was required by her disability to use were not so much a barrier as they were a means of bonding with the children.
If in lieu of other gifts should you choose a memorial contribution please consider the Kent Garden Club’s Ken-O-Sha Fund. You may do so by mailing to Anne Todd, President, Kent Garden Club, 8025 E. Fulton Street, Ada, MI 49301. Checks should be made payable to Kent Garden Club, Ken-O-Sha Fund.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1935 Plymouth Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids. Rev. Troy Nevins presiding. Visitation Monday 6-8:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids and at Immaculate Heart of Mary from 10-11:00 a.m. prior to the service.