Jodi Hickey

MEMORIAL DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH 33 7TH STREET WOODBINE, IA 51579 OR WOODBINE CARNEGIE LIBRARY 58 5TH STREET WOODBINE, IA 51579

     Marva Jo (Jodi) Hickey was born December 1, 1934, to Leota (Lyons) and Merlin Paul Smith. Jodi made her final journey to our Lord on October 20, 2020, at CHI Hospital, Missouri Valley following a courageous battle with Covid-19.

     Jodi spent a large part of her childhood traveling due to her father's military service and occupation. Her family eventually settled in Woodbine when Jodi was 14 years old, where she graduated from Woodbine Normal School, lived for the remainder of her life. She worked in Omaha as a secretary.  In May of 1952, Jodi married James L. Hickey of Woodbine and to that marriage she was blessed with three children: David (Ann) Hickey of Elkhorn, NE, Lisa Jo (Brad) Hansen of Greenville, SC, and Mary Jo (Shawn) Evans of Wichita, KS.

     Jodi was a loving wife and mother and spent most of her life following her children's school and extra-curricular activities as well as volunteering at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Jodi served as a catechism teacher, altar society and choir member, Eucharistic Minister as well as several other volunteer positions throughout the years. She also was a member of the Red Hat Society, several game groups, and many card clubs over the many years of her life. Perhaps Jodi's biggest passion was the Woodbine Library. Jodi was an avid reader herself and helped with fundraising for the summer library hour for children. She served as one of the key members of the committee for the   establishment of a children's library in Woodbine.

     Jodi was also a featured columnist for the Woodbine Twiner for many years. Her flair for writing brought joy  and humor to many readers. She used her column not only as a way to reflect on her own life, but to relate the current world and its changes and problems to all of our pasts. She often referred to her writing style as that of a Romanticist - one who emphasizes the  expression of emotion and passion through imagination.

     Jodi will be remembered by her children and grandchildren for her sense of humor, love of her family, Christmas Caroling Parties, Weiner Roasts, and quilt making. She used her quilting skills to donate quilts to veterans, babies, and anyone in need.  She had a generous heart and enjoyed sharing her talents with others. 

     Jodi is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and eight plus great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Marilyn.