1928
Shirley
2016
Shirley J. Hicks
August 27, 1928 — September 5, 2016
After several days of being surrounded by her family, Shirley June Smith Hicks passed away on September 5, 2016. She is survived by her son Stephen Hicks (wife Elizabeth), and daughter Terry Hicks Parker. Shirley also leaves five grandchildren; Christina (Hicks) Streit, Fred Hicks, Powell Parker, Russell Parker, and Joel Parker, and five great grandchildren; Taylor Streit, Christian Streit, Sara Beth Parker, Cole Parker, and Scarlett Parker.
Born on August 27th, 1928, Shirley grew up in Douglas, Arizona with her parents Ed and LaVeda Smith and brother, Richard Smith. During her years at Douglas High School, Shirley read the book, Betty Blake, OT. This motivated her to move to the east and attend the University of Philadelphia earning a BS degree in 1948. While pursuing her career Shirley met Richard Hicks. He had recently returned from the Pacific after serving in the Marine Corps during World War II. In 1949, the couple married in Douglas, Arizona, but returned to Plainfield New Jersey to begin their life together.
Missing the West, Richard and Shirley moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1952. They purchased a home in the Hoffman Town neighborhood, then the eastern edge of the city. In 1955, the family moved to the Southwest Valley where they remained until their children grew up and moved away. During this period, Shirley began her distinguished career in Occupational Therapy; first at Presbyterian Hospital and later at the Veteran’s Hospital. She was instrumental in the development of the School of Occupational Therapy at the University of New Mexico and enjoyed teaching and counseling potential O.T.’s. Shirley also served on the National Board of Occupational Therapists for many years.
Shirley and Richard Hicks were founding members of the All Faiths Home for children and continued to support that organization. They were 4-H leaders in the Barcelona 4-H Club and at the County level.
Shirley and Richard loved the mountains, and in 1971 fulfilled a lifelong dream to move to the east mountain area. They built their second home in Forrest Park, and became very involved in the development of that community. Shirley, a biking enthusiast, helped plan the biking paths that are still used along the Turquoise Trail in Cedar Crest, New Mexico.
Shirley’s retirement years were filled with travel, and sewing clubs which contributed to those in need. She also belonged to a local Professional Education Organization which encouraged and supported young women in their pursuit of a professional career.
Shirley’s family will reach out to friends and family members with a time and place for a celebration of her life later in the year. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends and family contribute to the All Faiths family support organization in Albuquerque; www.allfaiths.org 1709 Moon Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112-3973 Phone: 505.271.0329.
Born on August 27th, 1928, Shirley grew up in Douglas, Arizona with her parents Ed and LaVeda Smith and brother, Richard Smith. During her years at Douglas High School, Shirley read the book, Betty Blake, OT. This motivated her to move to the east and attend the University of Philadelphia earning a BS degree in 1948. While pursuing her career Shirley met Richard Hicks. He had recently returned from the Pacific after serving in the Marine Corps during World War II. In 1949, the couple married in Douglas, Arizona, but returned to Plainfield New Jersey to begin their life together.
Missing the West, Richard and Shirley moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1952. They purchased a home in the Hoffman Town neighborhood, then the eastern edge of the city. In 1955, the family moved to the Southwest Valley where they remained until their children grew up and moved away. During this period, Shirley began her distinguished career in Occupational Therapy; first at Presbyterian Hospital and later at the Veteran’s Hospital. She was instrumental in the development of the School of Occupational Therapy at the University of New Mexico and enjoyed teaching and counseling potential O.T.’s. Shirley also served on the National Board of Occupational Therapists for many years.
Shirley and Richard Hicks were founding members of the All Faiths Home for children and continued to support that organization. They were 4-H leaders in the Barcelona 4-H Club and at the County level.
Shirley and Richard loved the mountains, and in 1971 fulfilled a lifelong dream to move to the east mountain area. They built their second home in Forrest Park, and became very involved in the development of that community. Shirley, a biking enthusiast, helped plan the biking paths that are still used along the Turquoise Trail in Cedar Crest, New Mexico.
Shirley’s retirement years were filled with travel, and sewing clubs which contributed to those in need. She also belonged to a local Professional Education Organization which encouraged and supported young women in their pursuit of a professional career.
Shirley’s family will reach out to friends and family members with a time and place for a celebration of her life later in the year. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends and family contribute to the All Faiths family support organization in Albuquerque; www.allfaiths.org 1709 Moon Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112-3973 Phone: 505.271.0329.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley J. Hicks, please visit our flower store.
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