Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 11/24/2002

Samantha Payton Hickey

Aug. 12, 1999 - Nov. 23, 2002

Samantha Hickey, 3, of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away on Saturday, Nov. 23, in Memorial Hospital after a 20 month battle with leukemia. She was born Aug. 12, 1999, in South Bend, Ind., to Christopher and Tuesday (Gates) Hickey.

She is survived by her parents, Christopher and Tuesday (Gates) Hickey; a brother, Carter Patrick at home in Mishawaka; her grandparents, Lou and Linda Hickey of Granger, Ind., George and Terry Gates of Fort Wayne, Ind; three great-grandmothers, Norma Janczak of Mishawaka, Mary Barile and Nancy Gates of Fort Wayne; several aunts and uncles, Lou and Michelle (Pinter) Hickey of Granger, Jim and Tracy (Gruber) Hickey of South Bend, Shawn and Dawn (Stouffer) of Osceola, Ind., Heith Gates, Nicol Gates and Katie Gates of Fort Wayne, and Jillian Gates of Bloomington, Ind.; and by six cousins, Kaitlyn, Joseph, Rachel and Allison Hickey of Granger, Quynn and Noah Hickey of South Bend.

Through the "Make a Wish" Foundation, Mickey and Minnie Mouse visited Samantha and showered her with love, hugs and lots of gifts. Samantha touched many people's lives with her warm smile and "I can conquer anything" attitude. Her favorite activities were feeding the ducks at the park, playing with her brother, Carter, watching Disney movies, and playing with her dog, Duke.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a Rosary will be said at 4:30 p.m. Monday. The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday in St. Pius X Church on Fir Road. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to the local Ronald McDonald House.