In a heartfelt gesture of love and remembrance, the Hickey Family Foundation made a significant donation to NHH in memory of Judith Hickey. This generous gift not only honours the memory of Judith, but also supports the important work of NHH – a cause close to the family.
Prior to moving to the area in 2008, Judith and her husband, David, had moved to a farm in Millbrook. “The farm was getting to be a lot of work and Judy and I realized the time had come to sell. We were drawn to the Port Hope and Cobourg communities where we liked to frequent various restaurants and shops,” shares David. “When we found a home we fell in love with, the deal was done and we made the move to Cobourg.”
Through their Hickey Family Foundation, they began making annual gifts in support of NHH, hoping, like most, they would never need the Hospital’s services. This turned out not to be the case and, in fact, it was a visit to NHH’s Emergency Department that led to Judith’s diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Remembering this time, David shares, “It was right after Christmas and Judy had not been feeling well. When she complained of pain, I knew we needed to get to the bottom of her health decline.”
They arrived at NHH Emergency on New Year’s Day. Bloodwork led to a CT scan, followed a few days later by an MRI and an appointment with an oncologist to confirm the diagnosis. Judith had a mass on the tail of her pancreas. It was inoperable.
She passed away on January 16, 2023.
“The Doctor working in the Emergency Department that day was very busy, yet he had a suspicion, and he was committed to taking the time to get the answers we needed,” shares David. “There was no good news to be shared that day, but this Doctor’s compassion and dedication to caring for my wife really struck a chord with me,” he continued. The doctor was Dr. Steve Slobodian, an anesthetist and Emergency Department physician. “I liked what he was about. He said he would connect us to an oncologist, and he delivered on that promise.”
It was out of a sense of gratitude David began to consider how he would express his thanks to the health care team at NHH, and more importantly, honour his wife – his life partner of 59 years and the mother to their two children, Susanne and Stephen.
“Judy was a multi-faceted woman with superb culinary skills and a flair for entertaining, understated elegance, and most of all her thoughtful and kind nature. She was a cornerstone of our family, always putting the needs of others before her own. Known for her warmth, compassion, and selflessness, Judy touched the lives of all who knew her; whether an active member of the Inner Wheel in Cobourg or volunteering for various community organizations like the Millbrook Historical Society where she was instrumental in securing not-for-profit status for that Society, or simply being there for friends and family, her spirit of generosity knew no bounds. Judy was an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to helping others,” said David.
He reached out to the Foundation office and through a series of discussions, the naming of the MRI waiting area was confirmed. The Judith Hickey MRI Lounge was unveiled in 2025.
Through this enduring recognition, the Hickey family has found a way to honour the incredible wife and mother Judith was, knowing that her spirit will live on through this contribution, while also thanking the team of professionals who took such care with her. People like Dr. Slobodian, Dr. Koneru, Dr. Mulé, and all the technologists who participated in her journey as a patient.
“The donation made in memory of Judith is a reflection of the love and strength she shared with her family and the community.” said Rhonda Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of NHH Foundation. “We are deeply honored to receive this donation in her memory, and we are committed to using it in the best way possible. Her legacy will continue to inspire and make a difference for years to come.”
