WESTBROOK – Frances G. Hickey, 96, of Westbrook, died on May 24, 2021 due to respiratory failure after a long illness.

She was the wife of the late Maurice D. Hickey, and the beloved mother of Gertrude “Trudy” Hickey of South Portland. Patrick Hickey and his wife Jean Adams of Richmond, Va., Margaret “Marggy” Hickey of Westbrook, and Rose Hickey of Kingston, Mass/, who survive her. Survivors also include nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Frances was the daughter of the late Malvina and John Kastanowski of North Whitefield; she was predeceased by stillborn daughter, Theresa; and all Frances’ siblings Helen Kastanowski (Sister Anna, SHCJ of Rye, N.Y.), Stanley Kastanowski of New York City, N.Y., Hedwig “Joan” Kastanowski Kelley of Randolph, Mary Kastanowski (Sister Mary Ann, SHCJ of Rosemont, Pa.), Jane Kastanowski (Sister Philomena, ODC, Carmelite Monastery of Morristown, N.J.), Josephine Kastanowski of New York City, N.Y., and John Kastanowski of Springfield, Va.

Frances attended North Whitefield schools and graduated from St. Catherine’s Academy in Manhattan, New York City, N.Y. After graduation, Frances worked for the Kennebec Journal newspaper in Augusta, before marrying Maurice Hickey (also from North Whitefield) in 1948 and relocating to South Portland, then moving to Cumberland Center in 1951 where they raised their family together. Maurice died in 1998, and Frances eventually moved to senior housing at Presumpscot Commons in Westbrook in 2007.

Frances was deeply devoted to her family and her religious faith. She found joy in gardening, reading books and the daily newspaper, bird watching, corresponding with relatives and friends, visiting Two Lights State Park, and cheering on the Patriots and Red Sox. She was glad to have seen both of “her” teams win multiple championships.

Frances’ memory was phenomenal, and if she ever met you, she probably remembered you. If you ever did something nice for her, she appreciated it. Her family is extremely grateful to Frances’ Presumpscot Commons neighbors for their outstanding kindness, generosity, and assistance. Appreciation also goes to Northern Light Hospice and the nursing staff at Seaside Rehabilitation Center, and all who remembered Frances and her family with cards, prayers, and support.

Visiting hours for family and friends will be held 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 10 at Jones Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. Family and friends are also invited to gather at the funeral home the morning of Friday, June 11 beginning at 10:30 a.m. prior to an 11 a.m. funeral service (live-streamed). Burial will be held at 2 p.m. that afternoon at Calvary Cemetery in North Whitefield. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Frances’ life will be held at 11 a.m. on August 13 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 268 Brown St., Westbrook. To share an online condolence, please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.

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