Ellen Marie (nee Cantwell) Hickey

“My chickens,” Ellen said, my one wish is that someday, I’ll race you three out Hickey’s Road. Today I was set free from forty plus years of arthritis. Today I get my wish to run with you”.

Ellen Hickey in her final years she was surrounded by the infinite love and protection of her husband, Gus and daughter Angela. In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, surrounded by those that loved her most, while listening to her favorite country music and hearing laughter shared from her brother Joe’s stories and jokes, Ellen was set free.

Today with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ellen Hickey, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. Ellen was welcomed at heaven’s gates by her parents Fred and Annie Cantwell of Avondale, parents in law Raymond and Mary Hickey, sisters and brothers Theresa (Reggie), Mary (Phil), Michael and Stevie, sister-in-law Betty Ann Fewer, brothers-in-law; Russell Mayo, Simon and Francis Hickey and lifelong neighbour Connie Woodford.

Left with loving memories is her high school sweetheart and husband of forty-six years Gus Hickey. A life made whole with the adoption of their four children: Paul (Jamie), Lisa, Ray and Angela (Sean), grandchildren: Gussie, Sean, Ellen Rose, Ray-Ray, Joshua, Jayden, Jaylynn, Jayla, Jayson, Keith, Parker, Mackenzie, Declan, Jon and Caitlyn, her loving siblings of the Cantwell family: Joe (Carol Ann), Elizabeth, Wayne, Josie (JeanGuy), Bernie (Marlene) and Freddie (Licia), sister-in-law Marie and aunt Theresa O’Toole and all their families, her Hickey sisters and brothers-in-law: Leo (Gerry), Ray (Mary), Kevin (Alice), Mary Walsh, Ange (Gary) Woodford, Christine (Chris) Myers, Joe Fewer and our families. Cherished friends, neighbours and especially her co-conspirator and lifelong friend Marie Dalton.

Living with such a disease would have created monumental obstacles for most. However, Ellen’s strong will to live would never let Rheumatoid Arthritis stop her from living and loving life. She was a marvel and an inspiration to all with her never ending smile, her wit, her determination to keep going. Never with a complaint nor dampened spirit. Ellen had a vibrance for life, an eye for style and design, and such humor that anyone who met her thought she was a miracle on earth.

Thank you! Thank You! Thank you to all the medical staff, doctors, nurses and Pharmasave Pharmacy Team, Holyrood who were there for Ellen throughout the years. Dr. Hardy and Dr. Ursell, your professional care was outstanding. To the extraordinary nursing homecare teams from Eastern Health starting with Rita Kennedy back over 17+ years ago and now Melissa, Joanne, Tina and Chelsea. These caring and compassionate nurses worked together to provided  weekly comfort, care and support to both Ellen and her family. Thank you to Rev. Fr Michael Barker for your home visits and prayerful support.

Hickey’s Road is forever changed as Ellen has left her wheelchair to run alongside her chicks as she called them, Gussie, Sean and Ellie who held a special place in Ellen’s heart and her home. Our home full of love, humor and beautiful chaos will forever be cherished. “Nanny, we will always feel you in the wind that runs through our hair and see you in the beautiful yellow butterfly daisies growing in Poppy’s garden every summer.”

 “I love you”  “I love you more” “I love you the mostest"; “to the Moon and Back”.

“Goodbye my Darling XO”

At Ellen’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 85 Harbour Drive, Harbour Main on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 10:30 am (for those unable to attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed with the link available below).

No flowers by request, if friends so desire, donations in Ellen’s memory may be made to NL / Arthritis Society Of Canada.