I was blessed to know this beautiful soul for the past few years when Linda & Maureen would come to see me for some “beautification”…always bringing such a special joy to our space…I’ll miss the serenading when they would both burst into song when the time was right…definitely a life well lived! Rest In Paradise, Maureen!
My relationship with the lovely Maureen Hickey began (unbeknownst to her!) when my husband Henry and I registered at Sts. Martha & Mary Church in Mississauga where she was organist. We always looked forward to masses where she led musical liturgy, were inspired by her prayerful hymn selections, and saddened when she was unable to attend and subsequently retired due to her declining health.
In late 2023 I was invited to join the Home Ministry and would visit Maureen
weekly with Mrs. Kathy Gallant at the home of Linda and Michael Cooke; for me it was a gift and a blessing. She would receive Our Lord with such joy and thanksgiving that she inspired me to grow in my own faith, providing me with a genuine witness of the love of God and Jesus Christ; as her dear friend and caregiver, Linda gave her unceasing love and selfless service as God asks us to do.
Our visits would also include chats about parish life past and present, Maureen's memories of her teaching career and time as organist at numerous churches, and treasured (and often humorous!) reminiscences with Linda about their many pilgrimages and road trips together. She would share news concerning her health, crosses which she bore with such courage and grace for so many years. There
was also laughter and often a hymn or two...or three. I cherish those moments we all shared and am blessed to have come to know Maureen through this ministry.
I firmly believe that our dear sister Maureen has joined the choirs of angels and is now singing God's praises as she did for so many years as a music teacher and as a church organist and as a Catholic woman of deep faith.
May she rest in peace and may God comfort her family and friends, colleagues and fellow parishioners as only He can.
When I was hired by the Metropolitan Separate School Board (Toronto Catholic District School Board) in 1984, Maureen was already an established Vocal Music Itinerant teacher within the elementary panel. Although our paths crossed only once or twice a year (I was teaching Instrumental programs in our schools), I became acutely aware of Maureen's skills and dedication to her craft and her students. Her love for her profession knew no bounds, as she demonstrated it through the deep passion she had for her faith. I was eventually pleased to hear that she enjoyed a relationship with my sister, Barbara, who would visit Maureen as a member of St. Martha and Mary Parish's Home Ministry. May God's blessings be upon Maureen as she continues her Music Ministry in heaven! Alina Slawek
Finally, Maureen, you are out of pain and whole again. Heaven needs your joy and fun personality. Just do your thing!
I've know Maureen all my life. We were part of the St. Domenic's Church on Cawthra and Maureen was a great friend of my grandmother's. Maureen was part of the family and always at family functions and celebrations. The music of the world is definitely a little more dull with her passing.
Safe flight.
Soft Landing.
See you on the other side!