Barbara Lee Hickey

Barbara Lee Hickey passed away peacefully from complications of multiple sclerosis on December 12, 2024, in Meredith, New Hampshire. Her family is profoundly grateful for the compassionate care she received at Golden View Nursing Home and, most especially, from the Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association, whose hospice care was truly exceptional.

 Barbara was born on September 18, 1946, in Arvada, Colorado, to Robert Henry Green and Ruth Esther Ellis Green. She graduated from Littleton High School in Littleton, Colorado, and went on to earn her degree in dental hygiene magna cum laude from Rangely College in Rangely, Colorado. Her passion for teaching led her to serve as an instructor, clinical dental hygiene coordinator, and director of dental hygiene externships at Rangely College before marrying the love of her life, Edward Joseph “Joe” Hickey, in 1970.

 Barbara and Joe moved to New Hampshire in the 1970s and made it their forever home. They shared a deep bond until Joe’s passing on May 15, 2024. Barbara was devoted to her family, cherishing her role as a caregiver to her beloved mother-in-law, Bertha Hickey, who lived with them for many years, and later caring for her father on their farm in Barnstead.

 Barbara is survived by her sister, Peggy Hendricks, and her husband, Dennis, of Nebraska, along with her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Michael Green and Ken Green.

 An outdoor enthusiast with a deep respect for nature, Barbara loved all creatures, especially her dogs, cats, and even a pet raccoon. She found joy in tending to her flowers, identifying wildflowers during her walks, golfing, cross-country skiing, and following the Red Sox and Celtics. Her adventurous spirit led her to fulfill a dream inspired by her father, a World War II paratrooper: skydiving three times, even while living with MS.

 Barbara’s professional career was marked by her excellence and mentorship in the dental hygiene field. She worked in private practices in New Hampshire, inspiring young women in the profession and earning respect for her professionalism, ethics, and dedication.

 Those who knew and loved Barbara will remember her as a warm and generous soul with a beautiful smile, ever loyal, attentive, and dignified. She had a remarkable ability to listen, offering wise and kind perspectives even in difficult times. Despite living with MS for many years, Barbara remained fiercely independent, always maintaining a positive outlook and a profound strength.

 A graveside service in Barbara’s honor will be held on June 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen NH. All who wish to celebrate her life are welcome to attend.

 Barbara’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and the joy of living fully, despite life’s challenges. She will be dearly missed.