Obituary

Mary Josephine Hickey

Born:  Mary Josephine Garcia March 20, 1937

Died:  December 8, 2023

Mary Josephine Hickey, formerly Mary Jo Mendez, Mary Jo Garcia, was born in Martinez, California on March 20, 1937. The eldest of four children born to Edward V, Garcia and Elvira (Vera) Garcia formerly Rubio. Rosalie, Eleanor, and Edward Jr. She is survived by her two sons, Michael Joseph Mendez and Francisco Mendez Jr, another “son” Richard Davenport, two granddaughters Monique and Tamea and her great grandsons Javier and Daniel. She married her first husband, Francisco Mendez on September 1, 1956, and her second husband Peter Allison Hickey, with whom she will spend her eternal rest, on August 18, 1979.

Her love of life and unique infectious laugh will be missed. A laugh that came from the heart and shared her appreciation and humor. Memories of her laughing, dancing, and throwing parties does not seem to fit in with the Chief of Department of Defense (DOD) who put the fear of God in the Government Contractors all over the Southwest and Southern California.

Elder sister to Rosalie (Ciissy), Eleanor (Tootsie), and Edward Jr (Bosco), she helped raised them while growing up herself. Mary Jo graduated from Edison High School and attended Delta College. The Garcia Sisters were famous in Stockton for their beauty and vivaciousness. Growing up during the depression, Mary Jo appreciated the value of a dollar and a reliance, and this would carry her throughout her life. Mary Jo worked as a Librarian in the Stockton Library, in City Hall and at Sharpe Army Depot where she obtained an Intelligence position and her federal career started. She would work a position, obtain skills, and keep an eye out for opportunities which took her from Stockton to Las Cruces, to Southern California, and eventually become a Chief in the Department of Defense (DOD). Her hard work allowed her to retire comfortably for many more years than she was employed.

She was fascinated with knowledge and enjoyed reading non-fiction and watching documentaries. She opened her home and heart to many. Richard Davenport, a friend of both her sons, remained part of the family. Richard’s children also came to know and love Mary Jo as family. She would be a good listener and would always be available to nephews daughter-in-laws, and granddaughters and their families. Mary Jo would often send letters and clippings to people when she saw items of interest as she read newspapers. She would call and sing happy birthday or leave messages on Veterans Day to her sons. She would enjoy talking to people and was very memorable. Neighbors would ask during the pandemic how the “nice lady or your mom” was doing, did she need anything, something from the store.”   She loved talking to young mothers and admiring and laughing with their babies. Mother, Aunt, Grandmother and Mentor—Mary Jo will be missed by all.  We will always carry your memory in our hearts.

Celebration of Life:  March 18, 2024, 11:00 am Saint Anthony’s, Manteca, California

Interment:  March 19, 2024, 11:30 am Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, California