Wednesday, March 25, 2015

RIP Linda Christine (Hickey) Martin

HAVERHILL:  Linda Christine (Hickey) Martin, 64, passed Tuesday, March 17,2015 in the Brigham Manor, Newburyport surrounded by her family. First diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2008, the kind hearted, selfless mother and grandmother began her fight. Rarely did she show the pain and suffering that she faced as she endured radiation and chemotherapy, all for the hope of survival.She was courageous, driven by her commitment to her family and the joy of being a grandparent. Determined to defeat breast cancer, she remained optimistic and it was thought that she had won. She enjoyed nearly three years in remission before the cancer metastasized in the fall of 2012.
    
With a terminal diagnosis and only the possibility of extending her time with her family and friends, she smiled through her grief and again she fought. Though Linda was known for her selflessness and kindhearted nature, it was her smile that will never be forgotten. Again, more determined than ever, the grandmother of five beat the odds for a little more than two years. She was of the bravest kind, optimistic even in the darkest moments. Again she endured countless trips to Boston for radiation and chemotherapy treatments, scans, hospitalizations and pain. Still, she formed new friendships, adding to her special group of gals from her time at K-mart and later Kohl’s and cherished every bit of time with them. Most importantly she greeted two new grandchildren, a treasure she fought dearly for.  In the end, the inspiring mother and grandmother waited for all of her daughters and her beloved spouse to be by her side before she said her final goodbye surrounded by those that she loved most.
    
Linda was born on September 24, 1950, in Alameda, CA, daughter of the late Timothy E. and Betty Jo (Martin) Hickey.  After the early death of her parents, Linda was raised in the Acre section of Haverhill by her late beloved aunts, Catherine and Elizabeth “Sis” Hickey. She was educated in the Haverhill schools and was a graduate of Haverhill High School. Linda especially enjoyed her time with her family, camping, watching movies or soap operas, listening to Irish music and having lunch with one of her girls.
    
Linda is survived by her spouse, Philip, and her daughters; Tina and her husband, Jaime Favara, Lisa Beauregard, Kristen Beauregard, Jamie Beauregard;her grandchildren; Lucca Favara, Johnathan Hanlon, Allyssa and Jacob Rodgers, Isabelle Hovey and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
    
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 23rd, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. It would be an appropriate and appreciated way to celebrate her life. For more information and to send online condolences, please visit www.linnehan-grondin.com.