Her whole life, Karen Hickey was taking care of someone. But she wouldn’t have it any other way! She says that she likes to help people and “be their support system.”
Compassionate, friendly and always smiling, Karen was born and raised in Barrington, RI. The oldest of 5 children, she took good care of her 2 brothers and 2 sisters while both her mother and father worked full-time. Her mom was a dietician and a career-woman back in a time when it was unusual for women to follow their dreams.
Her grandparents also lived nearby and were an integral part of the family dynamic. (Karen would later take care of them). They would enjoy family dinners together every evening. Karen graduated from Barrington High School and from Rhode Island Junior College.
Karen knew Owen Hickey when they were in high school together. When he came back from Vietnam, he worked at a gas station and she would go there to get gas for her car so she could see him! She worked her charm and he asked her out.
The two got married and moved to Cape Cod where they welcomed daughter, Megan together. Karen was the ultimate involved mom. Megan’s friends always wanted to visit her house because Karen would make them oven-baked cookies! Megan describes her mom as kind, caring, loving and passionate. “She sacrificed her wants and needs for her family,” said Megan.
Karen worked at Filene’s in the shoe department. She had certain customers who would only come in when she was working and only wanted her to help them. She was a top seller for years.
Karen’s husband, Owen, was a pilot and the little family of three did a lot of traveling together – Ireland, Paris, Amsterdam, and Italy were just a few of the wonderful destinations they explored together!
One of Karen’s favorite memories is of going to Europe with her family. Her dad was an Army vet. They took a trip to the battlefields of Normandy Beach and London and toured Buckingham Palace. Afterwards, they took the train to Paris. She says it was a special memory to share with the whole family.
After Owen retired, he and Karen spent winters in Myrtle Beach, playing golf together. Karen also enjoyed riding bikes, running and gardening. She even participated in the Falmouth Road Race and the Bonne Bell 10K.
Fun fact about Karen? She’s a big Red Sox fan! One of her birthdays her family took her to Fenway and they put “Happy Birthday Karen” on the Jumbotron!
Karen says that her family is her greatest accomplishment – her daughter Megan and Megan’s 2 children. “My daughter is my best friend and my grandchildren – they call me Nan – are the loves of my life. My grandson brings me fresh flowers every Wednesday.”
