Christine Hickman

Christine Hickman, 65, formerly of Peoria Heights, IL passed away peacefully after a long battle with MS and cancer. She passed away at Pickering House in Lancaster, Ohio with her sisters by her side.

Chris was born December 8th, 1957 in Peoria IL to Robert and Maryellen McKeon Hickman. She was born with a caring soul that she shared with the world, a deep love for animals, and steadfast loyalty to her friends and family. She is survived by her 2 sisters, Maryanne Hickman Stoecker of Lancaster Ohio and Judith Hickman of Chillicothe IL, numerous cousins, 3 nephews, Robert Stoecker, Rick & Jenny Stoecker, and Joe and Jenn Stoecker all of Lancaster. Ashley and Kelin Randall of East Peoria IL and Emily and Sean Tumilty of Metamora, IL, 6 grandnieces and 2 grand nephews and her 2 cats, Lestat and Gypsy of Lancaster, Ohio.

Chris was a devoted educator for Peoria’s District 150 teaching at Trewyn Middle School, Lindberg Middle School, and Manual High School during her teaching career. Her infamous stubborn streak was an inspiration to her students, refusing to give up on them no matter the struggle and continuing those relationships far beyond the school year.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology & Criminal Justice from Metropolitan State University of Denver Colorado in 1996 and her Bachelors of Science degree from Illinois State University in Normal, Il in 2006. Chris was a 1976 graduate of Illinois Valley Central High School in Chillicothe, Il.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert an Mary Hickman, her brother-in-law, David Stoecker and her niece, Je