Obituary of Maria Carmella Hickey

It is with our deepest sorrow to share that we lost an amazing woman, Maria (Mariela) Carmella Hickey (LaTorre), who passed away on January 30^th 2024. Maria was 71 and had battled Alzheimer’s Disease for almost 9 years when it finally sent her to heaven to be with God. Maria is survived by her husband, Alfred Henry Hickey and her beloved sons, Robert James Hickey and Paul Micheal Hickey, her sister, Anna and brothers, Dominic, Francesco and Pasquale LaTorre, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Maria was born on March 13, 1952, to Rachelle and Michelangelo LaTorre from Spilinga, Italy.  She came to the United States when she was 16, where she lived with her family and then graduated from East Side High School in Newark in 1971. Maria spoke 4 languages, Italian was her native language and when she came to the United States she also learned English, Spanish and Portuguese. Maria married Alfred on August 18, 1973, and at the time of her death they were married for over 50 years. On November 12^th, 1974, Robert, their first son was born. Robert had many health issues as an infant and was faced with surgeries and significant hurdles in his first year of life, Maria was an amazing mother and remained strong during this time. Maria was also providing support to her niece, Jean-Marie Devory (Hickey), who lost her mother (sister to Alfred) in 1976. On May 13^th 1981, their 2^nd son, Paul Micheal Hickey was born.

Maria worked in New York City at Chase Bank until 1987 when the family made the move to Howell, New Jersey to have everyone, her family as well as her mother-in-law, Harriet, her niece, and her brother-in-law Daniel all live together. Maria wanted to make sure all of the family was together and could be there to help each other. Maria was a loving and nurturing mom who raised both sons and her niece and when all the kids were older, she then became a nanny for other children. Maria loved kids so much and was her happiest when she was with them, taking care of them and being a mom to anyone who needed a mom. She spent several years helping to raise other kids with the same love and support she provided to her own children.

Over the past 9 years as Maria endured this dreadful disease, her husband, Alfred and her sons, Paul and Robert remained steadfast in caring for her, in helping her through all of the mental and physical impact the disease had on her. They are her hero’s, they dedicated their lives to making sure Maria felt safe and remained at home during her care. Maria loved her family more than anything in the world, she showed up for them, she fought for them, and she raised them. We are so grateful for her love and her beautiful smile and we know that she is now at peace with God. Maria also loved her church and was a devoted Catholic who taught all her children how to love God and the Catholic church. We are blessed that she is now seated beside Jesus and is fawning over all of the children in heaven. Maria, all of your family and friends will love and honor you forever.

 Visitation will be held at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:00 AM Funeral Mass on February 9, 2024 at the Church of St. Veronica, 4215 Route 9 North, Howell. Interment will follow at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, 1 Honey Locust Road, Lakewood. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com