Catherine Hickey·Williams, who was known for her warm smile and readiness to help anyone, was a beloved wife, dedicated educator and passionate volunteer. She returned to the Lord, her Saviour on April 3, 2017 surrounded by her family and friends. The daughter of Francis Hickey and Eleanor Ferris of Lawrence, Massachusetts, she had two surviving sisters, Mary Patricia Krippendorf and her husband, Peter, and Ann Hickey. Her husband of 44 years, Jack Hickey-Williams, also survives her. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her and by all whose lives she touched in a special way.
Cathy obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire, and her PH.D. at the University of Pennsylvania in Microbiology, in 1968. She pursued a career in science and obtained higher education at a time when this was not a common path for women to take. She was one of the very few women in her time to obtain higher levels of education in the science arena. She had intelligence, courage and fortitude and these served her well in her career and her life. Her early career took her to the National Institutes of Health where she worked on emphysema research, the American Red Cross Blood Research Laboratory, NIH to supervise national grant research. She then joined the faculty of Western Connecticut State University where she joined the department of chemistry. She delighted in teaching nurses who returned to West Conn to obtain their degree. Her passion for science and education was perfectly combined with her willingness to help others and advance the educational pursuits of women. Cathy received the Ronal Giordano Goodfellowship and Excellence in Education Award as one of the first recipients. She fostered many special relationships in
her teaching career with both co·workers and students. These people held a special place in Cathy's heart.

Alongside her husband, Jack, Cathy has tirelessly devoted herself to charitable pursuits her entire life. Committed to her faith, she was a devoted and active member of St. Rose of Lima Parish where Cathy was a Eucharistic Minister. She was an energetic and enthusiastic participant in many ministries At St. Rose's including the Womens' Club, as president for 2 years.

Cathy has lived her life with passion and enthusiasm. When not teaching or volunteering at church, Cathy would often be found with family and friends. She enjoyed her trips to Florida to visit Claire Hickey. In addition to her two sisters, Cathy enjoyed spending time with her three nephews, Benjamin Krippendor and his wife Lois, Timothy Krippendorf and his wife, Jennifer, and Nicholas Krippendorf and his wife Soojin. She also adored her four grand nephews, Benjamin, Ferris, Finnigan and Miles. Cathy and Jack also enjoyed a special relationship with Jack's siblings: Marion, Kate, Joan, Ginny and Mike, who brought great comfort to Cathy and Jack.

In retirement Cathy was able to enjoy many of the things in life which brought her peace and joy. She traveled with Jack, her sisters, other family members and many beloved friends from St. Rose's Church.











She was able to make beautiful memories visiting places such as Italy, Ireland, Canada, Alaska, Cape Cod and New Hampshire. She also enjoyed reading and even had time to join the Friends of C.H. Booth Library. At first, she only sorted science and math books for the annual sale but after several years, she continued these responsibilities and also became Treasurer and eventually, the Chairperson of the sale .

Cathy will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, the successes of her students, the charity work of her church and the memories of all those whom she loved.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday April 22 at 10:30am in St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown. Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown Friday April 21 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

Contributions in Cathy's memory should be forwarded to: Regional Hospice and Palliative Care, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, Connecticut, 06810 or The Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut, 06470.

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