Maria “Marie” Hickman

Maria “Marie” Hickman, 83, of Hoschton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024. Born on October 29,1941, to Florence and Nazareno Luciano, she was the youngest of four children, with three older brothers, Ralph, John, and Tony, all of whom predeceased her.

Marie was married to the love of her life, Ron Hickman, at the age of 25. Together, they embarked on a life of adventure, moving across the country, as Ron was promoted in his career as a World Book encyclopedia salesman. Their journey took them from Wilmington, Delaware, to Chicago, Illinois, to Indianapolis, Indiana, then Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, to Fairfax, Virginia, and finally to Atlanta, Georgia. Over the course of their 38-years of marriage together (Ron went to heaven in 2002), they moved 13 times, and traveled the U.S., raising two wonderful children, Ron and Terri. 

Marie’s proudest accomplishments were her children. Her son, Ron, a dedicated school teacher and coach in Gwinnett County for over 30 years at Richards Middle School, has a son, Dylan, who serves in the Secret Service and resides in Washington, D.C.   Her daughter Terri, a public relations professional and entrepreneur, founded her own agency and has two sons: Jacob, a Freshman at Georgia State University studying marketing, and Erik, a Junior in high school and a competitive baseball player.   Her three, athletic grandsons were a true source of joy for her, as she spent hundreds of weekends at their basketball and baseball games over the years.

In addition to being a mother and homemaker, Marie returned to her financial background from her work at Wilmington Trust bank, spending many years as an accountant for her husband’s business. In retirement, she dedicated her time to volunteering, serving for many years with the Gwinnett Senior Olympics where she was honored as a volunteer, with a lifetime achievement award for her contributions from Gwinnett County.

Marie’s favorite hobbies included doing puzzles, bird watching, playing cards, and indulging in her favorite tv shows. As an Italian, she was passionate about food, with anything Italian being her favorite! (Carrabba’s or Olive Garden)   Or sometimes starting her day at Waffle House. Her family and friends fondly remember her as kind, funny, sweet, and always smiling, and filled with happiness.

A lifelong fan of music, Marie cherished the timeless voices of Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, and Jerry Vale. Her favorite color was peach, and she adored peach roses, a gift from her husband, who affectionately called her "Peachie Pie."

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her three brothers, and her beloved husband Ron, who passed away 22 years before her. She leaves behind her two children, Ron (and his significant other, Cynthia Davis) and Terri (and her husband, Rob); her grandchildren, Dylan, Jacob, and Erik; her nieces and nephews Cathy, Michael, Nick, Maryann, Gina, Vincent and Anthony, and countless friends who will remember her for her warmth, compassion, and joyful spirit. A special thank you to her friend and caregiver, “Sam” for her time and love.

Marie was a woman who lived with passion, especially for her family, who were her greatest pride and joy. She was deeply inspired by her mother, Florence, and carried that inspiration throughout her life.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.  Father Pete Coppola will officiate.  The family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Memorial Park Funeral Home South Funeral Home.  Mrs. Hickman will be laid to rest on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Falls Church, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association.1101 Northchase Parkway, Marietta, GA 30067, www.heart.org   

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 is in charge of arrangements.  Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com