Barbara Irene Hickey (nee Ambler), 88, of Stratford CT, and daughter of Eric and Irene Ambler, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025.

A longtime resident of Stratford, Barbara was born on July 19, 1936, and grew up in Bridgeport, CT. She spent her childhood summers with her grandmother in Lordship, where, at the age of 4, she met the love of her life, Bill. They became close friends, later started dating, got engaged, and were happily married in 1957.

After high school, Barbara trained to operate IBM computers and secured a position in the Sales department at Raybestos in Stratford until she became pregnant with her first child. She then embraced life as a stay-at-home mom, volunteering at her children's grammar school, and serving as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for her daughter's troops. When her youngest child left for college, she returned to the workforce, and spent several years in a career in marketing research.

On many Sundays, Barb's laughter could be heard echoing through the halls of The First Congregational Church of Stratford. She was deeply involved in the life of the church, serving on various boards and committees, including the Sunday School, Chancel Committee, Church Council, Ushers, Deacons, Church Fair, and as an Advisor to the Senior High Youth Group. She considered the church a second family and cherished the relationships and friendships she formed there.

Barb and Bill shared a love of travel, taking their children on camping trips along the East Coast from Canada to Florida, as well as vacationing with friends. After their children had grown, they traveled extensively across the United States, enjoying visits to national parks and discovering other unique and fascinating destinations.

Barbara deeply valued her friendships, nurturing them through daily morning coffees, regular Thursday meetups, and spontaneous gatherings. As the years went by, she often took it upon herself to drive friends to doctor appointments, chemo treatments, and wherever else they needed to go. These friendships not only filled her life with joy but also provided the support she needed to stay grounded amid life's chaos.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love in her three children; Kevin Hickey of Danbury and his spouse Patricia VanBuren, Darren Hickey and his wife Heidi of Trumbull, and Dawn Gerrity and her husband Glen of Milford. She is also survived by five loving grandchildren, Lauren Hickey, Connor Angileri, Kathleen Hickey, Ian Hickey, and Kyra Angileri, and 4 caring step-grandchildren Emily VanBuren, Erin VanBuren, Logan Gerrity, and Jacob Gerrity. Barb is also survived by her niece Cynthia Mustaka of Florida and nephew Robert Hickey of Colorado.

The family would like to thank the caring and expert staff at Bishop Wicke for her care these past few years.

Visiting hours for family and friends will be held at Dennis & D'Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main St, Stratford, CT on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A private funeral service will be held for Barbara and interment will take place at Union Cemetery, Stratford. To offer online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the church in Barbara's memory. The donation may be made to First Congregational Church (memoriam fund), 2301 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615