Mary C. Hicks

Mary C. Hicks passed away at her home with her son, Craig, at her side on May 13, 2022 at 11:10 P.M. She was 98 years of age.

Mary, daughter of Giovannina and Ulisse Gambini, was born in King City on January 8, 1924. She was raised in Gonzales by her mother and stepfather, Sebastiano Barchi. Completing the family were brothers Mike Barchi (born 1927) and Norman Barchi (born 1936).

As a young girl, Mary spent many summer vacations in the Oakdale area, where she met her brother, Aldo Gambini (born 1921), who was being raised by Ulisse Gambini. A lifetime bond was created.

Mary was a graduate of Gonzales High School, where she was a cheerleader and softball player…a true GHS SPARTAN who was loved by all her classmates. Soon after graduation, she moved to San Francisco for a time where she put her creativity and artistic ability to good use by doing window displays for department stores in the city. She returned home to proudly work at the Gonzales U.S. Post office.

She married Tom Hicks of Salinas on March 5th of 1946. They made their home and life long residence in Greenfield. There, they raised their children, Janna, Pamela and Craig.

Mary wrote many plays performed by local thespians, organized many talent shows and designed posters and signs promoting local events. She played the piano by ear and created many humorous songs.

Tom retired as manager of the Hicks Lumber Yard branch in Greenfield in 1980. Mary and Tom purchased a new pickup and travel trailer. They toured all the U.S. states (including Alaska) with the exception of Hawaii (could not drive there). They were members of the local Silver Kings and Queens group. They also went to Europe twice and met many of Mary's Italian/Swiss relatives.

Mary was a religious person and never missed Sunday Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Greenfield until she physically could not attend. Mary was kind, loving and supportive person loved by all who knew her. We will miss her but not forget her.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; brothers, Aldo Gambini and Mike Barchi.

Mary is survived by her brother, Norman Barchi (Cheryl); children, Janna King, Pamela (Bill) Pinkerton, Craig Hicks; grandchildren, Christopher King, Tara (Tom) Ward, Elisabeth Pinkerton, Nick Pinkerton; great-grandchildren, Tommy Ward, Jack Ward, Lucas Pinkerton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to your favorite charity or Visiting Nurses Association.

Visitation will be Monday May 23, 2022 at Struve and Laporte Chapel on 41 W. San Luis St. in Salinas, Calif., from 2-6:00 p.m.

Private Services will be Tuesday May 24, 2022 with burial at Garden Memories Salinas.

Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.

Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com.

Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · May 23, 2022