Ellen Jean Hickey, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died peacefully on Nov. 25, 2025, after a short illness. Born on June 10, 1950, in Joliet, her family moved to Texas until 1957 when they settled in Oak Park. A graduate of St. Giles School and OPRF High School, she commuted to downtown Chicago via the Metra train, working for Santa Fe Industries and the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council, retiring in 2014. In retirement, she helped run her condo association, where she lived for over 40 years. An avid reader, she loved attending and trading books at the Oak Park Library Book Fair. She had many longtime friends, colleagues and family to keep her busy, and she especially liked to treat family and friends to breakfast. She will be missed for her love and generosity.
Ellen is survived by her brothers and sisters, Betty (the late Darrell) Brooks, Marsha Hickey, John (Becky) Hickey, Edward Hickey, Barbara (Arthur) Elizondo and Carol (Thomas) Gifford; her nephews and nieces, Brendan, Patrick, Eric, Elaina, Matthew, Erin, Caylin and Sebastian; and her great nieces, Jacquelyn and Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her parents, John J. Hickey and Margaret A. Hickey (Boucher).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen’s memory to the Oak Park Public Library, Edward-Elmhurst Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
All are invited to celebrate Ellen’s life at the Mass of Christian Burial that will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park. Private family inurnment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, where she will be buried next to her parents.
Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, handled the arrangements.