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Remembering Vivian Hickey, A Rockford Political Icon And Education Activist

photo provided by Hickey to LWV-Rockford
State Senator Vivian Hickey

A force in Rockford politics and education has died. Former State Senator Vivian Hickey was 100 years old. 

The die-hard Democrat was appointed to fill the term of Rockford’s first female State Senator when Betty Ann Keegan died. Hickey was elected to what became known as The Woman’s Seat: a string of women from Rockford were elected to the 34th District State Senate seat. 

As a Senator, Hickey was a member of a group of Democrats with an independent streak known as"The Crazy 8."  Dawn Clark Netsch, who later became state comptroller, was one of the members, too. 

Hickey served on the Illinois Board of Higher Education and was elected to Rock Valley College's original Board of Trustees. She was a member of the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford's 50-year membership club and served on the state League's board. She traveled to China with members of the state League in 1976, not long after the country reopened to visitors.

Colleen Holmbeck was on that trip to China with her friend Vivian, and it was an experience they talked about ever since. Holmbeck had also worked for Hickey as a legislative aide. She credited Hickey's degree in drama from Rockford College, now University, for enabling her "persuasive persona." Holmbeck says "Mostly she was just super-conscientious and highly intelligent. People felt that she responded to them and the issues."

Hickey moved to California several years ago to be closer to her son.  Conn Hickey sent an email to many of his mother's friends Friday to let them know she had passed away the day before. He gave permission to share an excerpt:

I was reminded of my oft-used metaphor of her walking down the aisle at age 23 delivering herself to her husband even though her divorced father, who she loved dearly, was there. At the foot of her bed is the campaign picture of the 58 year old Vivian striding away from the ornate State Capitol Building in Springfield, arms swinging, powerful, and with joyous determination in her face. From the beginning of her life to her very end she was the captain of her own ship. We should all be so lucky to be able to form our lives and our deaths as powerfully as she. She leaves us all strong memories and quite an inheritance as we shape the arcs of our own lives.

Senator Dick Durbin released a statement Friday remembering Hickey.

“Vivian Hickey was an extraordinary person. Close to her family, close to her community and respected as a State Senator, she found the right balance in life. I will miss my friend Vivian.”

There will be a memorial service at the Unitarian Universalist church in Rockford: the date has yet to be determined.

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.