Kathleen Hickey

Kathleen Mary Hickey, 82, passed away early Friday morning, October 30, 2020 at St. Rose Care Center, LaMoure, ND.  She was buried November 6, 2020 at Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, North Dakota, next to her parents, Thomas P. Hickey and Cecilia (Schwehr) Hickey.

Kathleen was born in 1938, on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Agency where her parents were teaching in Indian Day School, at Iron Lightning and Red Scaffold.  The family, with younger brother Tom, moved to Jamestown when Kathleen was of school age so the children could have a solid Catholic education at St. John’s Academy.  In Jamestown a sister, Roseann joined the family.

While at St. John’s Academy, Kathleen excelled in vocal music as a soprano member of the Glee Club, women’s double quartet, singing in choir concerts and frequent Requiem Masses at St. James, the family’s Church.  She won a Cantate Domino music award, was a charter member of the National Honor Society, and graduate cum laude in 1956.

Kathleen’s professional life began as a student nurse at Mercy School of Nursing, Valley City, ND.  She received her nurse’s cap in 1957 and registered nurse credentials in 1959.  After a year of working at Trinity Hospital in Jamestown, she and 3 nursing school classmates drove to Los Angeles, California.  They worked at Morningside Hospital and later Daniel Freeman Hospital in Inglewood, California.  Kathleen worked as an Operating Room Nurse.  In Inglewood, Kathleen renewed her interest in vocal music, and sang with several church choirs especially St. Augustine’s.  She and classmate Sharon Smith lived through several earthquakes, shopping weekends, saw music concerts and plays, and were owned by several precious cats.

In 2003, Kathleen and Sharon retired from nursing and settled into an expanding West Fargo, ND.  They were once again reminded of strong prairie winds and shoveling snow.

Kathleen is survived by her brother, Thomas Hickey, Wisconsin; sister, Roseann (Hickey) Pepe and brother-in-law, Don Pepe, Florida.  In addition, the four Pepe children, James (Alison), Theresa, Jean (Kelly), and Diana.  She also has two grand nieces, Katie and Christy, and two grand nephews, Nicolas and Vincent.  Kathleen is also survived by an aunt and several cousins.

With great affection, the Hickey/Pepe families Thank Sharon Smith for her many caring years with Kathleen.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 10, 2021 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown.

Rosary with Vigil to follow: 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Williams Funeral Home, Jamestown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Kathleen may be made to: Foundation for Advancement of Christian Education (F.A.C.E), PO Box 1432, Jamestown, ND  58402.