Marilyn "Kuki" Carol Hickey, 1946-2012
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Marilyn "Kuki" Carol Hickey
Marilyn “Kuki” Carol Hickey
1946 - 2012
Marilyn “Kuki” Carol Hickey entered into this life as the firstborn child of Reno and Madeline Mazzanti on June 28, 1946. She had family roots in this valley reaching back more than 90 years.
She graduated from Tehachapi High School in 1964, and attended Marinello-Comer School of Cosmetology in Bakersfield. After graduating in 1965, she worked for many years as a beauty operator in the Tehachapi Valley.
However, it was the time she spent with the Tehachapi Unified School District and the Tehachapi Valley Parks and Recreation District where she found her true calling. For nearly 20 years, she positively touched the lives of hundreds of children as the protective guardian affectionately known to all as Miss Kuki.
Always a constant on the school grounds and at the crosswalks of Tompkins Elementary School, she was known for handing out candy and occasionally swift justice when it was needed, usually resulting in many children riding the walls of the school yard during recess.
She was an avid fan and staunch supporter of all the local sports programs, from high school to youth, always one to volunteer her time and effort in a variety of services, from scorekeeper to chain gang member. She also enjoyed activities with the Tehachapi Gem and Mineral Society, as well as playing bingo.
She was preceded in death by her father, Reno; and her mother, Madeline; brother, Gregory, as well as her former husband, Larry Hickey of Tehachapi.
Kuki is survived by her son, John Calvin Hickey; grandsons, Cody Hickey of Placerville, Reno Hickey of Tehachapi, and Gregory Hickey of Nephi, Utah; cousins, Adele Embry of Nipomo, and Frank Cervantes of Tehachapi, as well as numerous friends, too extensive to name, all of whom loved her and will sorely miss her.
There will be a memorial service honoring Kuki on Sunday, January 13, 2013, at the West Park Activities Center on D Street in Tehachapi, starting at 12 noon and continuing until 3 p.m. There will be a potluck dinner following the service at the Tehachapi Moose Lodge on the corner of Curry and F Streets, beginning at 4 p.m. Wood Family Funeral Service, Inc. has been entrusted with her care. For condolences please visit www.woodmortuary.net.
