Mary is one of a long line of former Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Michigan employees who were born and raised on the Lower East Side of
Detroit. She attended Southeastern High School, graduated when she was
just 16 and began her career with Blue Shield two years later.
During her 32 years with the Blues, she showed her versatility by
working in many areas within the company. These included Records
Management, Claims, Quality Control, Finance and Systems and doing some
troubleshooting for the NASCO program.
Not one to be unoccupied, Mary took advantage of the tuition aid program
by attending night school and finally after 10 years earned her
Bachelors degree from Oakland University.
After retiring in 1988 she pursued her interest in gardening and
expended much of her energy by becoming an advanced Master gardener
through courses offered by Michigan State. Her talent and energy led her
to be recognized by many garden groups and eventually she became
President of the Troy Garden Club.
Following hip replacement surgery she took up ballroom dancing with her
husband Leonard for exercise and fun. They go dancing two to three times
a week. Other interests include travel, which she feels is also a great
educational pastime. She and Leonard have traveled most of the world,
which has included visits to the South Pacific, Far East, Middle East,
Africa, Europe and the Caribbean Islands.
Well, believe it or not, after a while, despite her very busy schedule,
she finally found some time to participate with the Retiree Association.
Her many talents were utilized as Secretary of the Board for four years
and as Chairperson of the Social Committee for two. She recently retired
from serving in these important positions for which she merited an
outstanding performance. We know she will slow down due to some health
problems, but her spirit will always be willing and she and Leonard will
keep on dancing.
Mary
Hicks
