Mary (Doherty) Hickey

It is with profound sadness to share that Dr. Mary Hickey (Doherty) DPT, MPH passed away on June 17th after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was the beloved wife of Andrew Hickey of Dracut, to whom she was married for 34 years and an incredible mother to her twin daughters Julia (Hickey) Kapp and husband Christoph Kapp of Reading and Kathryn Hickey and fiance J.T. Minto of Arbuckle, CA.

Mary was born in Everett on July 29, 1961 to the late William Doherty and late Athene (Grey) Doherty. She was loved by her wonderfully large family, her siblings, Patrick Doherty and wife Claire of Winthrop, the late Thomas Doherty and former spouse Kathleen Ford Doherty of Winthrop, Michael Doherty and wife Judy of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Timothy Doherty and wife Ann Marie of Lawrence, Janice (Doherty) and husband Mario Mancini of Melrose, and Kathleen Doherty of Hudson. She is also survived by 26 nieces and nephews. 

After family, Mary's second love was her career as a Professor of Physical Therapy at Northeastern University. Mary was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Northeastern University where she began her career as a Professor.This fall would have marked 25 years of dedicated service to her students at Northeastern. In 2015 she was the recipient of the James A. Gould Excellence in Teaching Orthopedic Physical Therapy award. This esteemed award is a nationally recognized for excellence in instructing orthopedic physical therapy principles and techniques with exemplary teaching skills. Mary thoroughly enjoyed helping students navigate their own paths, no matter how obscure or less traveled the path may be. 

Mary was a foodie and an excellent cook with a special talent for scaling up any gathering to include whomever needed a delicious home cooked meal. With a large extended family she enjoyed hosting a big crowd. Mary was a force of nature in the best way possible. She commanded a room, was a fierce advocate and mentor. She made an impact on the world. Her husband affectionately describes her as "occasionally wrong but never in doubt". She rescued several golden retrievers, the latest "Queen B" was her loyal companion. Mary had a special appreciation for a fabulous pair of shoes, gathering quite the collection and always letting others know her shoe admirations. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute who helped guide Mary and her family through several years of treatment.

Relatives and friends are invited to Mary's Life Celebration on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, from 4 until 8 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday morning, June 24, at 10:00 AM at the St Francis Parish, 115 Wheeler Rd, Dracut, MA 01826. Kindly meet at Church. Services will conclude following Mass.

In honor of Mary the family encourages gatherers to wear their most fabulous/favorite shoes. 

In lieu of flowers please consider supporting the Northeastern University Physical Therapy Centennial Scholarship fund number 621222 in honor of Dr. Mary J Hickey: https://giving.northeastern.edu/ways-to-give/memorial-honorary-gifts/ . Gifts may also be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Mary at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284.