Barbara Marie (McNeill) Hickey, 93, of Middletown passed away peacefully on September 6, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, J. Paul Hickey and her baby sister, Phyllis Ann McNeill. Barbara was born on January 29, 1930 in Everett, MA to the late Ella and Charles McNeill. After graduating from Bridgewater State Teachers College in 1951, Barbara began a decades-long career in education. She taught as an elementary school teacher for many years, with her career culminating as principal of St. John's School in Middletown, CT.  Upon Barbara's retirement, the Mayor of Middletown declared August 20, 1995 to be "Barbara Hickey Day" in honor of the devoted educator. Her love of teaching extended beyond the classroom, as she also taught ballroom dancing and social etiquette to young adults.

Barbara enthusiastically jumped into starting a big family with the love of her life, Paul. They met while Barbara was teaching beach calisthenics and caught the eye of Paul, a short order cook across the street in Hampton Beach, NH. After marrying on April 7, 1956, Barbara and Paul lived in Lynnfield, MA, New York, NY, and Middletown, CT as they raised their six children. Even as they moved around, Barbara and Paul always found time to cheer on their Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and the CCSU Blue Devils. Barbara loved family above all else and supported her children in countless ways. She would shuttle her kids to practices, serve as team mom, and host team parties. Her love of sports and family was clear as she made every effort to attend all games and performances of her children and grandchildren any chance she had. Beyond sports, Barbara was the embodiment of unconditional love with all of her family, supporting each and every member in all of their passions.

One of the most important aspects of Barbara's life was her faith. She was an active parishioner of St. Pius X Catholic Church for over 50 years, as a member of the Rosary Altar Society, Eucharistic minister, CCD teacher and co-chair of the parish's 50th anniversary capital campaign committee. Barbara and Paul were founding members of the M-X Corporation supporting Mercy and Xavier High Schools. In 2007, Barbara and Paul were inducted into the Xavier High School Hall of Honors.

To those who knew her for years or even those who only met her once, everyone knew that Barbara's hobby was people. She loved to talk in person or on the phone to her friends and family around the country. Barbara leaves a legacy of love, devotion, and commitment to family first. We celebrate her life as she celebrated ours.

Barbara is survived by her six children: Phyllis Hickey of Austin, TX; Jay (Kathy) Hickey of Cromwell, CT; Maribeth (John) Hartman of Atlanta, GA; Kathleen (Bill) Kane of Lutz, FL: Charles (Laura Duncan) Hickey of Middletown, CT; and Christine (Christopher) Fritz of Cheshire, CT. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Kelly (Ryan) Ireton; Dan (Meghan) Hickey; Kealy, Ellie, and Laine Hartman; Jack and McKenzie Kane; and Lindsey Fritz; and one great-grandson, Jackson Parker Ireton.

Friends and family are welcome to call at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown, CT on Wednesday, September 13th from 4 to 7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Pius X Church, 310 Westfield Street, Middletown on Thursday, September 14th at 10:30 a.m.. Burial will be at the Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory may be made to Mercy High School, 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT 06457 or Xavier High School, 181 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT 06457.