Obituary: Beloved mum Olive Hickey remembered by SETU colleagues as wonderful 'force of nature'

On Christmas Day, Olive Hickey (née O’Connor), Marketing and Communications Manager at South East Technological University in Waterford, passed away peacefully in The Oak Ward of University Hospital Waterford surrounded by her loving family.

Her death has devastated her family, wide circle of friends and dear colleagues at SETU's Waterford campus.

During her funeral mass, which saw a huge attendance on December 28 at All Saints Church, Templetown, on Wexford's Hook Peninsula, Olive was remembered as an enthusiastic, courageous and loving individual, who was highly regarded and much loved across the South East.

Olive requested bright colours be worn at the funeral home and church, celebrating a life full of brightness and colour, which was reflected in the attire of those in attendance.

Olive’s husband John remembered his cherished wife in a touching eulogy during the requiem mass.

John said: “I was privileged to have known her for the past 37 years, most of my adult life. I can’t remember life without her. I knew within the first few weeks that I met her that I loved her. We were so lucky that every year we were together, we seemed to grow closer and our love grew stronger.” 

For almost 20 years, Olive worked at SETU, a job she adored. 

As John said, she also showed an equal commitment and love for her role in the local pony club, where she forged wonderful friendships locally and throughout the country within the equestrian community of which she was such a vital part. A fitting guard of honour from the club flanked Olive's coffin as she made her final journey the short distance to the adjoining cemetery.

Olive was commended during the mass for her courage, as she faced her short illness with extraordinary resilience.

“The strength, dignity and grace she showed over the past few weeks was incredible. She showed virtually no self-pity,” John said.

Olive will perhaps be most fondly remembered as a loving and devoted mother to her children Emma, Tom and Conor.

Her son Tom described her as "the best mother we could have ever asked for", whilst her daughter Emma said: “My mum was the strongest, kindest, most selfless person I know. She always put everyone else before herself, especially her beloved family, myself, my brothers, and my dad.

 “She never failed to love us and support us through all the ups and downs and put everything into making sure we were the best and happiest versions of ourselves. I couldn’t have asked for a better mother and role model. She was one of a million and cherished and loved by so many as you can tell by the crowd here today.

“I’m honoured and so proud to be your daughter, thank you for making the happiest years of my life.“ 

‘A force of nature’ 

In a message to SETU staff from President of SETU, Veronica Campbell, and Vice President for Academic Affairs at SETU, Derek O’Byrne, Olive was described as a "force of nature, with a huge drive and enthusiasm for life". 

“Olive was not only a key member of our management team as Marketing and Communications Manager on the Waterford campus for almost 20 years, but also a cherished member of the SETU community. Her contributions to our University over her time working in both the former WIT and in SETU will not be forgotten.   

“Olive's warmth, dedication, and passion resonated with everyone she worked with, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.” 

Colleagues have made personal tributes to Olive since her passing, describing her as a force of nature, with a huge drive and enthusiasm for life.

“Her energy was matched with a sense of humour and fun that she brought to all aspects of her life and friendships. She will be greatly missed by all,” Ms. Campbell’s and Mr. O’Byrne’s message concluded.

Olive is also mourned across the wider Waterford community, where she created enduring connections and friendships through her work - Olive was the very epitome of her communications role, with countless tributes paid to her. 

Olive is predeceased by her mother Marie. Beloved wife of John, devoted mother to Emma, Tom and Conor. Deeply regretted by her father Pat, brothers Eddie, John, Hugh and Paudie, mother-in-law Ann, sisters-in-law Sarah, Amy, Leona, Deirdre, Maeve and Laura, brothers-in-law James and Rory, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

To honour Olive's memory and to provide an opportunity for the SETU community to come together during this difficult time, a moment of reflection will be led by Fr. David on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Arrangements are also being made for a memorial service at the university.

May Olive Rest In Peace.