SHERBURNE – Sandra Hicks Reed, 62, of Statesville, N.C., formerly of Chenango County passed away on Monday, Oct.13, 2008, following a valiant fight against several illnesses including cancer. Her family takes comfort in that while she is absent from them, she entered into the waiting arms of her loving parents at Heaven’s gate.
She was born July 18, 1946, the eldest of 10 children born to Herbert Eugene Hicks and Lillian H. Hicks Ryan. Sandi graduated from Sherburne High School, and immediately after graduation, she entered Valhalla School of Nursing in White Plains. Sandra had a career as a nurse with a special gift for working with geriatric patients until her illness forced her to resign about 15 years ago.
She is survived by her sons, Douglas Riccardi of Florida and Michael David Thedford of Statesville, N.C. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Virginia Thomsen of Florida, Michael Hicks (Diane) of Sherburne, Kathy Gramstad, Texas, Debbie Reid (Walt) of Sherburne, Brenda Irwin (Jerry) of Norwich, Laurie Whaley (Steve) of Statesville, N.C., Jeff Hicks (Sue) of Florida, David Hicks of Texas, Brian Hicks (Carol) of Smyrna. She is survived by 22 nieces and nephews and six great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her uncles, aunts and cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents, Herbert Eugene Hicks and Lillian H. Hicks Ryan, her stepfather, Rudolph Ryan, and her nephew Brian Gramstad.
Over the years, Sandi has been a faithful, loving friend to many. Her compassion for life, her strength and courage, during her illness were an inspiration to her family and friends. We will miss her strength and tenacity that served to remind all that knew her to put life’s challenges in perspective.
At Sandi’s request, her body has been donated to science. Her family and friends have decided in order to honor her in a way she would have enjoyed, they will hold a Memorial Open House on Sunday at the home of her sister, Walt & Debbie Reid of 393 Bingham-Collins Road, Sherburne from noon to 4 p.m.
In honor of her great love for animals, memorial contributions can be made to the SPCA of Chenango County in Sandi’s name.