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In Memory

Kathleen Elvira Hicks (Gabrielson) - Class Of 1970 VIEW PROFILE

Kathleen Elvira Hicks (Gabrielson)

Kathleen [Hicks] Gabrielson

Kathleen Elvira (Hicks) Gabrielson age 70 of Plano, Texas, formerly of South Bend, Indiana died March 12, 2022 in hospice in Plano. A beautiful, intelligent, and fun-loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend passed peacefully after a courageous battle with acute leukemia.

Kathy was born November 30, 1951 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN. She was the youngest of three children born to Donald E. and Jane M. Hicks, both formerly of Superior, WI. When of age she was a Candy Striper Volunteer at the same hospital.

Kathy attended Marquette Elementary and Muessel Jr. High Schools in South Bend. She was Valedictorian of the 1970 Class of LaSalle High School. She graduated from IU Bloomington with a Batchelor of Arts degree (Phi Beta Kappa), later earning two Master degrees, one in Library Science and another in Public Administration. Soon after moving to Texas in the early 1980’s, she married the love of her life Stephen White. They met while both were attending IU Bloomington. She put both degrees to work in Texas where she was employed by the City of Dallas.

Through years of hard work and personal sacrifice, Kathy made it financially possible for Steve to pursue and eventually attain his dream of becoming a successful writer. Together Kathy and Steve took their greatest pleasure in creating a loving home for their daughter Sarah.

Kathy was a former member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in South Bend. It was founded by Swedish immigrants. In 1965 she was elected by her fellow Confirmation class to play the role of the St. Lucia Queen in the annual, traditional Swedish St. Lucia Program at Christmas time. All the youth of the church participated in various roles, even to this day.

St. Lucia per Scandinavian tradition is the bearer of light and wears a crown of real lit candles on her head, as Kathy did. Eventually they were replaced by flashlights looking like candles. Kathy was proud of her Scandinavian heritage, both Swedish and Norwegian. To honor her ancestors’ Swedish surname, she legally changed her last name to Gabrielson.

Kathy was a dedicated gardener and cook. For years she was a volunteer worker at her daughter Sarah’s schools. She loved reading and had broad interests ranging from historical nonfiction to thrillers, classic literature, and poetry.

Kathy brought light, love, organization and laughter to her home. She enjoyed watching movies with her family and especially enjoyed the family’s habit of turning “Jeopardy!” episodes into joke-filled improv comedy sessions. Kathy loved the family dogs over the years, all of whom were rescues and all of whom ended up with furniture privileges.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Stephen and daughter Sarah White, of Plano, TX. Siblings include brother Donald A. Hicks and wife Sherry Hicks of Dallas, TX, and sister Kristine (Hicks) Senn and her husband Kenneth Senn of Mishawaka, IN.

Kathy was a dear friend to so many and a treasured gift to all. Her memory will continue to brighten our days. Contributions in Kathy’s memory may be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) and please consider giving blood and becoming a regular blood donor.

Posted online on September 01, 2022

Published in South Bend Tribune

09/02/2022 EJS



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