FAYETTEVILLE — Hedy Hickerson

passed away June 10, 2020. She was born Gisela Hedwig Groschel in 1923 in Linz, Austria, and grew up in Vienna.

She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and worked as a freelance artist. After WWII, she worked as an interpreter for the British military government in Vienna and was proud she was able to help many people travel through the Russian zone into the British zone.

She obtained a teacher’s certificate for teaching English from the University of Vienna.

It was in Vienna in 1951 that she met and married Sgt. Charles D. Hickerson, who was in the International Patrol. In 1952 they returned to Fort Benning, Ga., where they lived for many years. The Army sent them to Pirmasens, Germany, after which they came to Fort Riley, Kan. They then lived in Junction City.

After her husband retired from the Army after 27 years he began work for the American National Red Cross. He was sent to Mainz, Germany, where Hedy was a volunteer case worker for the Red Cross.

She painted watercolors for her personal enjoyment throughout most of this time.

After her husband retired from the Red Cross, they came to Fayetteville to be closer to their children. Having lived on and near Army posts during all of her married life, a completely civilian community was new to her. She loved Fayetteville and made close friends. In her later years it was difficult for her to get about, but having tea with those dear friends was always a highlight for her. She remained sharp as a tack until her death, possibly helped by Sunday afternoon Scrabble games with her son and granddaughter.

Her husband preceded her in 2008 after 57 wonderful years together. Her daughter, Charlotte White, also preceded her.

She is survived by son Tony Hickerson and wife Susan and their daughter Jessica Helton with husband Jake and great-grandchildren Jackson and Sagely.

There will be a private service with burial at the Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Chapel.

In lieu of flowers two of her favorite charities were the American Red Cross, www. redcross.org, and Doctors Without Borders, www.doctorswithoutborders.org. To sign the online guest book visit www.mooresfuneral chapel.com.