Obituary - Mary Metz Hickman

Mary Metz Hickman, 69, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, and secured in her faith. After a long, courageous, and resolute battle against cancer, her loved ones take comfort in knowing that she has found eternal peace.

Mary's greatest joy was her family and friends. She was a cherished wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, faithful sister, and steadfast friend. Mary touched many lives and leaves lasting memories of her kindness, selflessness, humility, resilience, genuineness, generosity, and grace. Never wanting to miss an opportunity to be with those she loved, she devoted her life to bringing joy to others.

Mary was born in 1956 in Richmond, Virginia, spending her childhood there making lifelong memories with her five siblings and many cousins and friends. After graduating from Marymount High School, she attended University of Mary Washington, graduating with a BA in 1978. From Fredericksburg, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she accepted an entry level position at the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD). Driven by a strong work ethic and beloved by her colleagues, Mary advanced rapidly, becoming a skilled market analyst and investigator. At one point, her investigative efforts uncovered the largest insider trading case to date. In 1989, Mary was one of a select few nationally to receive the NASD's highest employee honor, the Excellence in Service Award.

In 1990, Mary chose to retire to focus on her growing family and devote her considerable energies and talents to the independent schools that her husband Steve led. From 1997-2019, Mary spent countless hours alongside Steve supporting school life, and was a constant model of the values of the schools in which they served. In recognition of this service, Mary received the Devanny Award from Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, which honors those who reflect the values and principles upon which the school was founded. Heathwood Hall also created the annual Hickman Award in honor of both Mary and Steve for their tireless efforts in supporting the school. In 2019, Richmond, Virginia's Collegiate School and its supporters established the Mary and Steve Hickman Endowment in honor of their service to the school.

Mary greatly valued time at her family's Lake Gaston home. She cherished the tranquility and peace that the lake offered, sitting for hours reading and watching the boats pass by. The lake also offered wonderful and memorable opportunities for gathering family and friends. On more than a few occasions, she could be found on the back porch, enjoying a glass of wine with a sister or a friend. Mary loved getting up before everyone else to watch the sunrise, patiently waiting to cook "Gramma's" French toast for her grandchildren and to have some uninterrupted snuggle time with them.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 39 years, Steve, and their children, Leigh Hickman Lovett, Steve, and Andrew (Lauren). She leaves behind two grandchildren Mary Lovett and Jackson Hickman. Mary also leaves behind five siblings, Anne Innes (Tom), Sally Johnston (Ken), John Metz, Kat Markey (Jim), and Carole Holland (Mark) as well as Leigh's fiancé Dan Gariepy, Steve's fiancé Alena Yarmosky, multiple nephews, nieces, cousins, and many cherished friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Delores and Andrew Metz and her son-in-law Lane Lovett.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Tyler Ford and his colleagues at Virginia Gynecological Oncology and the Oncological nursing staff at Henrico Doctors' Hospital for their loving care and support.

Her family will receive friends for a celebration of Mary's life on September 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Country Club of Virginia. A Memorial Mass will be held on September 19 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a reception to follow. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Henrico Doctors' Hospital, Collegiate School's Hickman Endowment, or to an organization of the donor's choice.

"Do not cry because they are gone, smile because they lived."