Saugerties, NY-Mary Louise Amodeo Hickey, ‘Lou’ to her family, passed away at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck on Feb 24, 2017, just five days before her 89th birthday. Born in Rome, Italy on March 1st, 1928, she came to the United States with her parents, Philip I. and Giovanna Amodeo, in October of 1930 when she was 2 ½ years old and her sister, Janet, was 4.
The family first lived in Poughkeepsie, then the Bronx, Wilmington (DE), Washington DC, and Brighton (MA) before returning to Dutchess County, settling in Wappingers Falls where her father opened Amodeo’s General Store. Mary lived there until she married Patrick J. Hickey on June 12, 1971 at Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie. They resided in Ulster County and were parishioners at St. Catherine of Laboure Church, Lake Katrine.
Mary worked in various Poughkeepsie businesses, starting at age 16 in Bavair & Yokum, including Wallace’s Department Store. Later, while working at Hurley Hill Garden Nursery, she met her husband Pat.
Before her marriage, Mary took several vacations overseas to Italy, Hong Kong, and Hawaii. She continued to travel for many years throughout the United States with her sisters.
Mary extended her heart and generosity to those around her, whether family or strangers, always caring and encouraging. She made sure everyone was included and having good time. She was all about fun. This was apparent at Mary and Pat’s epic 4th of July parties which they hosted at their home for over 40 years. Mary was a faithful Christian and a proud patriot.
Besides her devoted husband, Mary is survived by her beloved sister, Janet Canino, Highland; sisters-in-law, Catherine Hickey Webster (Robert), WA , Margaret Hickey Schwartz, CA; brother-in-law, Richard Hickey, Hurley. Aunt Lou also leaves her adoring Flips (nephews) and Fluffs (nieces): Steve Canino and Dave Canino, Highland; Annette Becchetti Moise King (Ed), Orange, MA; Ginny Becchetti Reale, Poughkeepsie; Vickie Becchetti Barber Flynn, Greenfield, MA; Paula Becchetti Sensback, Sunrise, FL; Frank Becchetti, Shelburne Falls, MA; Anna Becchetti, Plantation, FL; Steve Hickey, Brooklyn and many great nieces & nephews and great-great nieces & nephews, as well as many loving cousins.
Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Catherine O’Boyle Hickey, CA; her younger sisters and brothers-in-law, Virginia & Paul Becchetti, FL, Catherine & John Delehanty, Poughkeepsie; Ralph R. Canino, and nephew, Ralph R. Canino, Jr. Highland.
Calling hours are Wednesday March 1, 2017 from 4-8pm at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. 218 Mill St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Streel level and wheelchair accessible entrance located off Vassar St.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday March 2, 2017 10:00am at Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
Entombment will follow at Saint Peter’s Cemetery in Poughkeepsie.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to either the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Ste 1500, Chicago, IL, 60606 or Alzheimer’s Association, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Ste 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
For directions or to send the family an online condolence or sympathy card please visit our website at www.torsonememorial.com

More From Hudson Valley Post