Sr. Mary Claver Hickmott, CSJ

Patricia Hickmott was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on March 16, 1925, the daughter of Arthur and Helen (McHugh) Hickmott. She was a member of St. Edward Parish in Mendon at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph Nazareth on January 2, 1947. Patricia received the name Sister Mary Claver at her reception on July 2, 1947. She pronounced first vows on July 2, 1949, and final vows on July 2, 1952.

Sister Mary Claver earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Nazareth College. She attended St. Louis University for seminars and classes in social work and received certification as a social worker in the State of Michigan. Sister Mary Claver taught in schools of the Congregation including St. Philip Neri School in Detroit and St. James School in Ferndale. She then transitioned into new ministry at St. Francis Home for Boys in Detroit where for fifteen years she served as a Prefect and Dormitorian. She thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of caring for the boys and frequently expressed fond memories of her years there. In 1969 Sister Mary Claver returned to Nazareth Center where she was building maintenance supervisor for both Nazareth Center and Fontbonne Manor. Her duties were many, including scheduling maintenance work, ordering and delivering supplies, assisting in the post office and daily distribution of the mail and newspapers.

Sister Mary Claver was a faith-filled woman with a big heart and a generous spirit. She possessed a warm personality, and her sense of humor brought joy to those with whom she lived and worked. She often expressed how much her life had been enriched by the many years she ministered at Nazareth Center and Fontbonne Manor. She enjoyed many opportunities for travel which took her across the United States and Canada to Alaska, England, Scotland and Ireland. Her favorite hobbies were photography, stamp collecting, and listening to classical music. Sister Mary Claver was most grateful to her family, CSJ congregation, and friends for their love and support throughout the years. Now with her many tasks completed, she will hear with joy the words of the God whom she served so well, “Well done, good and faithful servant …”

May She Rest in Peace!