Martha Bernice Hickey, age 89, of Porter, Indiana, passed away on 8/26/2026. She was born on December 27, 1936, in Summer Hill, Illinois, to the late Kent and Lena Thomas.
Bernice, as she was known, was the quintessential preacher’s wife, showing hospitality in her home, visiting the sick, and preparing meals for those who needed it. After raising her children, she went back to school, obtaining her nursing degree. She worked at Gary Northlake Hospital for 10 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 61 years Thomas Hickey, sisters Nellie Jaggers and Sara Thomas, a granddaughter Samantha Hickey, and two brothers-in-law Lewis Hickey and Ronald Gallihar. Surviving are her children Kent (Michelle) Hickey, Paul Hickey, and Sue (Jim) Graff; grandchildren Dayna Sykes, Mitch Sigler, Matthew Hickey, Michael Hickey, Kristopher Hickey, Ally Graff, Ashlynn Hickey, and Abigail Hickey; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law Carolyn Gallihar and Judy Hickey, and three nephews.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, Indiana, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Monday, August 31, 2026, at 10:00 am with Jon Quinn officiating. Private family burial at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westchester Neighbors Food Pantry, P. O. Box 902, Chesterton, Indiana 46304 or online at Westchester Neighbors Food Pantry | Donate.
