On November 1, 2023, our mother, Marilyn Mae Hickox (age 91) of Cortland, NY passed into Heaven. Born on March 28, 1932 in Moira, NY, Marilyn was the first born (of 13 children) to Clyde Anthony Plumadore and Lillian Mae Canell. Lonnie, as she was known by her brothers and sisters, took on many adult responsibilities at a young age helping to care for her younger siblings. In her teens, Mom met her future husband and our Dad, the late, Robert Paul Hickox, 1927-2022). They were married on September 9, 1950, at St. James Catholic Church in Carthage, NY and set the greatest example of true love and commitment to one another in their 72 years of marriage.
Together they had seven children: Robert Clyde, Stephen Michael (dec), Mark Anthony (Elizabeth), David Brian (Connie), Patrice Ann Whitlock (Michael), Joanne Marie (dec) and Jacqueline Lee Preston (Terry). As a loving mom and wife, she dedicated many years at home, caring for our family. Eventually, she began working outside the home and found her niche in the food service industry where she truly excelled. She worked for many years as a cook on the Hamilton College campus in Kirkland, NY where she fed throngs of students and helped to prepare sit down dinners for dignitaries visiting the college. The last job she held was at Homer Central High School in Homer, NY. as a cafeteria staff member. Mom had a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor. She loved working in her garden, going to garage sales and collecting many antiques. She had a doll collection that was her favorite! She was an avid NASCAR enthusiast and loved all the holidays, especially Christmas because that’s when her family would gather together.
Along with her five surviving children, Mom leaves behind 14 grandchildren, whom she adored: Christopher, Bobby, Jeanine, Jaime, Beth, Dan, Johnathan, Lindsay, Lena, Amie, Kevin, Caleb, Josh and Rebecca. She also leaves behind three beautiful great grandchildren: Liam, Rowe and Maggie. Her surviving siblings are Daniel (Kris) Plumadore, Harry (Betty)Plumadore, Ida (Gary) Steenburg, and Margarite Ashcroft as well as her dear Sister in-laws: Patricia Plumadore, Edna Plumadore, Beverly Plumadore and Sharon Reynolds, along with many loving nieces and nephews. At the convenience of the immediate family, a graveside memorial and interment will be held in Carthage, NY at St. James Cemetery, in 2024. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in mom’s name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or your favorite charity. Many thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements are by Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y.
