Plan for the Future
Irene Hickman (nee: Davis) of Summit, NJ, passed away on March 15, 2016, at the age of 82 after a brief struggle with cancer.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Irene attended Rose Haven School for Girls in Rockleigh, NJ before attending high school at St. Francis Xavier Academy Brooklyn. While working as a secretary on Wall Street, and moonlighting at Arthur Andersen & Co., Irene met her husband and partner in crime of 58 years, J. Kenneth Hickman. After a few years of travelling for Ken’s work, they moved to Leonia, NJ, then settled in Summit in 1969.
A gracious host and entertainer, Irene’s home was always open to her far-reaching circle of friends from around the world. Good food, a well-stocked bar and camaraderie welcomed family and friends alike. Irene loved to travel – with her husband, and on ambitious annual family vacations. She enjoyed tennis and bridge and she was a champion bowler. While Irene and Ken supported many organizations, education and the arts were closest to their hearts. Long-time members of the Metropolitan Opera, they attended regularly and enjoyed time in the City with colleagues and friends. Irene was also a member of the Beacon Hill Club, Fortnightly Club and the Summit Twig.
Clever, loyal, and strong, Irene was an independent woman with high standards and a dry sense of humor – traits she proudly passed on to her three girls.
Predeceased by her loving husband, Ken; Irene is survived by many cherished friends, her daughters Trish, Carolyn and Beth, and their husbands Rob Rhodes, John Campbell and Rob Emerson; granddaughters Christine Sizemore (Ryan), Kathleen Rhodes and Iris and Hazel Emerson; and great grandson Chase Honeycutt.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at the Beacon Hill Club, 250 Hobart Ave., in Summit, NJ on Tuesday, March 22, from 3-7pm. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 23 at 1:30pm at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 306 Morris Ave., Summit, NJ. Entombment will follow at St Teresa Cemetery, Summit, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Community Foundation of New Jersey at PO Box 338, Morristown, NJ 07963-0338 or www.cfnj.org (please note on the check “Irene and Ken Hickman Family Fund”). For more information, please visit www.www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.