Florence Vera (McAvey) Hickman

Florence Vera Hickman of Newburyport, MA formerly of Saugus, MA and Brooks, ME, died peacefully on April 5, 2018 at Brigham Manor in Newburyport.

She was the wife of the late Ian E. B. Hickman who died on December 20, 2003.

Florence was born in Belfast, ME on May 13, 1922 and was the daughter of the late Frank L. and Rachel M. (Boardman) McAvey.

After graduating from Crosby High School, Florence moved to Boston where she enjoyed living and working. She met and married Ian Hickman in 1948. They moved to Saugus where they built their home and raised their family. There, Florence enjoyed cooking fresh family meals, sewing original clothing and quilts. She loved to work in the garden and picking fresh bouquets as well as teaching her children about the great outdoors and the creatures that inhabit it. The household included many pets, the beloved collie, “Snoopy”, various cats, chameleons, turtles, parakeets, and large aquariums of fish. Many baby squirells were nursed back to health after falling out of trees.

When their children had grown Florence enjoyed a bright retail career in women’s fashion. Upon Ian’s retirement from jet engine testing at G.E. in Lynn, MA they moved to their summer home in Brooks, ME. There they continued restoring and renovating their home, dining out, and traveling throughout the world.

Florence will always be remembered for her ready smile, warm embrace, kindness and caring towards others.

Florence was predeceased by her husband and is survived by her beloved and devoted daughter Deborah H. Dame of Amesbury, MA, her grandson Devon C. Dame of Austin, TX and Devon’s father Stephen R. Dame of Jensen Beach, FL. Also Florence and Ian’s son Ian B. Hickman and his wife Elizabeth of Saugus, MA and their four children, Ian, David, and Derick Hickman and Diana Hickman Herald. As well as Linda Rubino, daughter of Ian E. B. Hickman and her sons John, Matt and Nicky and their families, all of Staten Island, NY.

At Florence’s request, no services or memorials will be held. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mrs. Hickman’s family with her funeral arrangements.

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