Iva Lorraine Hickey's Obituary
Iva Lorraine Hickey
Iva passed away peacefully Sunday, February 8, 2009. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 27, 1919 to Wallace Henry and Ida Christine Lindeman. She moved to Tacoma with her family when her father was transferred from St. Paul by the Northern Pacific Railroad. She graduated from Stadium High School in 1936 and Racine's Western Institute (Business College) in 1938. She then enjoyed working for Weyerhauser Timber and spending time with great friends. She returned to the professional world when her children were nearly grown. She worked for the Tacoma News Tribune as Manager of the Credit Union and retired as Assistant Personnel Manager in 1981. Iva married John C. Hickey on April 11, 1942. He was her hero as well as a heroic Tacoma Police officer. Their special bond and community outings impacted many people in positive ways. John passed away January 4, 2001. She was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church since 1925, where she was baptized, confirmed and married. She was a Sunday School teacher, President of the Lutheran Church Women, and Bible Study Leader for the Lydia Circle. Iva's family was her focus, pride and joy. She often said, "I've been blessed all of my life." However, it was she who brought sunshine to everyone she met. She is survived by daughters Sharon Eivinsen (Edwin) Mesa, Arizona, Susan Gunsalus (Eric) of San Francisco, California, and son John M. Hickey (Patricia) of Gig Harbor. There are eight precious grandchildren: Caron (Raoul), Gregory (Christina), Stephen (Jennifer), John (Virginia), Kari, Cody, Caelin, and Jessica. She enjoyed eleven beloved great grandchildren: Ivy, Gunther, Garett, Isabelle, Josephine, Annelise, Christian, Stephanie, Gracie, Cyrus, and Zoe. She also is survived by two sisters: Anita Wicklund, Bainbridge Island and Janice Perry (Glenn), Tacoma. She has four remaining sisters-in-law: Louise Lindeman, Bonnie Smith, Helen Holcomb and Peggy Hickey. Her many nephews and nieces affectionately called her Auntie Iva. Memorial Service and Celebration Lunch: Saturday, February 14th, 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, located at 524 South "I" Street, in Tacoma, Washington, 98405. Memorial contributions should go to First Lutheran Church.
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