Sr. Mary Margaret Hickey, RSM

Albany- Sister Mary Margaret Hickey, RSM (Sister Christine Marie) passed peacefully on December 25,2025. Reflecting on Sister’s Christmas Day passing, Sister Sue Sanders, President of the Sisters of Mercy commented that Sister Mary Margaret, “has a complete understanding of the Incarnation now.” Speaking for the Mercy Community, she added, “We pray with you and rejoice with her.”

Sister Mary Margaret was born in Stillwater, NY to Earl and Mary Nolan Hickey, on January 25,1943. After graduating from Catholic Central High School in Troy, she entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1960. She celebrated 65 years in ministry last September.

Sister Mary Margaret earned a bachelor’s in elementary education with a minor in English from the College of Saint Rose and a master’s in special education from Russell Sage.

She began her teaching ministry at St. Joseph’s in Albany, and later taught at Vincentian and St. Margaret Mary’s. Sister also taught at St. Joseph’s, Scotia, St. Patrick’s Ravena and Holy Cross, Westmere. Her final teaching assignments were at Waterford Central Catholic, followed by St. Joseph’s in Rensselaer.

Sister Mary Margaret next ministered at Community Maternity Services helping with the books and later, as a volunteer, where she was known for her attention to detail and her love of animals.

After moving to the Convent of Mercy, Sister prepared the Chapel for Mass for several years. She was always welcoming to visitors and volunteers at the convent.

Sister Mary Margaret is survived by her brother, William Hickey, one nephew, two nieces, their children, and extended family. A special thank you to those at the Motherhouse, in St. Peter's hospital and at Teresian House, who cared for Sister during her final days.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the reception of Sister Mary Margaret’s body on Tuesday, December 30th at 3:30pm in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany. Her wake Service will directly follow. Visitation will continue until 6:30. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 31st at 10 am in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy.

Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rensselaer. 

Contributions in memory of Sister Mary Margaret may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208.