Dorothy R. Hickey

CHERRY VALLEY – Dorothy R. (Eident) Hickey passed away peacefully at home on February 18, surrounded by her devoted family. She is survived by her loving and supportive husband of 57 years, Michael "Tim" Hickey; her daughters, Cheryl Burgess and her husband, Richard, of Holden, and Kristin Lamprey and her husband, Joseph, of Cherry Valley; her four beloved granddaughters, Alaina, Reanne, and Kate Burgess, and Colleen Lamprey; and her brother, Kenneth Eident of South Carolina. She was predeceased by her siblings Francis Eident, Barbara Poirier, Lorraine Rana, Joan Rocco, and Carol Sullivan.

Dorothy, affectionately known as "Dolly," was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Francis and Ruth (LeShenna) Eident. She was raised in Auburn, and graduated from Auburn High School. One of seven siblings, Dolly cherished family above all else. She found great joy in vacationing, gathering with her siblings, and celebrating the holidays together. She also held dear the special bond she shared with her more than 20 nieces and nephews.

Dolly dedicated many years to education, working as an instructional paraprofessional for the Leicester Public Schools. She initially served as a student-specific aide before transitioning to support the school's computer program. Even after retirement, she remained active in her community, volunteering at the Leicester Food Pantry of St. Joseph/St. Pius X Parish and The New to You Thrift Shop. She was also a proud member of the Leicester Garden Club, Women's Club, Mother's Club, Bayberry Bowling Senior League, and Friends of the Swan Tavern, among others.

In her later years, Dolly's greatest joy was spending time with her granddaughters. She and Tim were a constant presence on the sidelines of their lacrosse, field hockey, and basketball games, cheering them on with pride. Summers on Cape Cod were especially cherished—filled with beach days, mini-golf, ice cream outings, and shopping trips—creating lasting memories with her "girls."

Dolly was often surrounded by her "forever friends"—those who had been a constant presence in her life and her family's for over 50 years. They remember her as a ray of sunshine, always bringing warmth and joy. Her memory will forever be cherished with a smile.

Dolly's funeral will be held on Saturday, March 8th from the MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester with a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church 1161 Main St., Leicester. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 7 from 4-7p.m. in the funeral home. Dolly will be laid to rest at a later date at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Cape Cod. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Friends of the Leicester Public Library, 1136 Main St., Leicester or the Leicester Food Pantry of St. Joseph/St. Pius X Parish, 759 Main St., Leicester, MA 01524.