Lilette M. (Gallant) Hickey

Lilette M. "Honey" (Gallant) Hickey, of Waltham, died September 25, 2023 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She was 69.

Born on July 12, 1954, Lilette was the cherished daughter of the late William and Lillian (Heaney) Gallant. She grew up in Wellesley and received her education there.

After completing her schooling, Lilette initially pursued her creative passion and worked for a time as a hairdresser before starting her career in the insurance industry.  She joined Sun Life Financial in Wellesley and dedicated many years of service to the company until her retirement. Throughout her time at Sun Life Financial, Lilette held various positions and formed lasting bonds with her colleagues who eventually became close friends and like family to her. As she progressed in her career, she was able to start her own hair salon and had the joy of working alongside her daughter Melissa; a unique opportunity that brought immeasurable fulfillment to both their lives.

In addition to her professional achievements, Lilette possessed a vibrant creative spirit. She delighted in crafting decorative art pieces during her leisure time; whether arranging flowers to bring joy to others or enlisting the help of her husband Michael to transform white birch into breathtaking works of art, she always had an abundance of innovative ideas and relished the process as much as showcasing the final results of her hard work and imagination.

Among Lilette's most treasured pastimes were visits to the beach, basking in the warmth of the sun, and embracing the tranquility found out on the water with the wind in her hair. Whether sailing on a Caribbean cruise ship or their family boat exploring George’s or Spectacle Island from Boston Harbor, this is where she was most in her element. Her version of the perfect day out on the boat would have to be topped off with dinner, surrounded by friends and family, at her favorite restaurant, The Chart House. Additionally, Lilette found delight in occasional trips to the casino, drawn not by the allure of gambling but rather by the lively atmosphere. For her, true victory was measured in transforming a modest stack of chips into hours of enjoyment and cherished memories.

While Lilette possessed a calm and reserved demeanor, she was also incredibly lively and passionate about the things she loved, and on the top of that list was her family. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her husband, children, and her grandchildren whom she absolutely adored.

In addition to her husband Neil “Michael” Hickey, she leaves her daughter Lindsey Hickey of Waltham; her grandchildren, Lola, Maeve, and Jackson Miller; her siblings William Gallant (Lynn) of Indiana, Robert Gallant (Janice) of Arizona, and Sandra Harjovic of Wellesley along with many nieces and nephews.

She was also the mother of the late Melissa Fling.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Lilette’s life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, (Rte. 20) Waltham on Sunday, October 1st from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 8:30 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham, where her funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be private.