Goodbye Grandma Irma
Posted by Stuart on 07/23 at 09:32 AM
It was a sad day when Irma left us for Heaven. She was the last of her generation and even had two children already in Heaven. For those of you who don’t know, on Irma’s 85th birthday while we were in New Orleans celebrating with her, she presented me with a document signed by the entire Hickox clan that officially “adopted” me as her son. She believed that everyone deserved a loving and accepting family and spent the next 8 years “mothering” me in only the way she could. We are all so sad that she is no longer with us but I know there was a big celebration in heaven when she arrived. Her husband, 2 children, and brothers and sisters were all there. And, I am sure that our own Dulcenia was there to welcome her too and show her around. I can just hear it now “Well, Miss Irma, where have you been? We’ve been waiting on you to start the party. And, I have your wine right here ready for you. Let’s go.”
Irma Oliver Hickox, September 15, 1918 - July 23, 2011. Resident of Rancho Mirage, born in Oakland, CA to Joaquin Soares Oliver and Mary Frazier. Irma, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family. Irma was married for 46 years to the late Hollis F. Hickox; they were longtime residents of San Leandro. She leaves behind her daughter Holly Black (Jeffery) of Union City, son Gary Hickox of Rancho Mirage, and adopted son Stuart Bell (Allen) of Los Angeles. She also leaves five adored grandchildren, Joy Pieri (Paul), Jerrod Black (Jennifer), Heidi Cann (Jason), Haley Black and Quentin Bell. Also four beloved great-grandchildren Lauren and Ethan Pieri and Cheyenne and Hunter Black. In addition, she leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her daughters Joy Marie Hickox and Gay Marie Arnold.
Irma loved TV especially Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Law and Order and NCIS. She travelled the world with her son Gary and met many dignitaries and celebrities in the course of her travels. Above all she loved her family and she will be greatly missed by all.
Viewing and Visitation will be held at Holy Angels Mortuary Center, 1051 Harder Road, Hayward on Thursday, July 28, 2011 starting at 5:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday July 29, 2011 at 1:00 PM at St. Clement Church, 750 Calhoun Street, Hayward. A graveside service will follow.
The family suggests donations to Irma’s favorite charities, American Diabetes and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation.