Bernadette Marie Hickman

Bernadette Marie "Berni" Hickman passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at a local hospital, surrounded by her sons and loving family. She was born on July 21, 1952, and from the first moments of her life, those closest to her knew her as a source of unyielding love and steadfast support.

Bernadette’s journey was marked by a remarkable dedication to faith, family, and kindness. She pursued her education with vigor and heart, graduating from St. Mary’s Academy and going on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Ever devoted to a life of service, she further enhanced her ability to care for others by obtaining her LVN degree, a role through which she touched countless lives.

Faith was woven into the fabric of Bernadette’s life. She found comfort and inspiration in her devotion to Jesus and the Saints, carrying their teachings in her gentle heart and actions. Her home was decorated with symbols of faith, a quiet testament to her enduring belief and hope.

Those who knew Bernadette cherished her warmth and cheer. She found simple joys in life’s little treasures. Jigsaw puzzles provided her peaceful hours of contemplation and satisfaction. Laughter echoed in her home during episodes of The Three Stooges, a show she never tired of watching. Family meals on Saturdays and Sundays became treasured gatherings, where she beamed with pride and happiness as she watched her family together, her careful hands ensuring everyone felt welcome and loved.

Bernadette’s compassion extended to all creatures, especially her beloved dogs. She held a special fondness for Beagles and Basset Hounds and was known to open her heart—and her door—to stray dogs in need. Her gentle care for them was a reflection of the compassion she showed to friends and strangers alike.

Her life was richly blessed with family. Bernadette is survived by her devoted husband, David Hickman; her loving sons Tomas Fach and his wife Lauren, Colin Fach and his wife Kym, and Liam Fach and his wife Kenyatta. She is lovingly remembered by her brothers, Steven Dutton and his wife Ellen, and Michael Dutton and his wife Susan, as well as by her sisters, Mary Katos and Margaret Hodges.

Bernadette’s heart will also be fondly remembered by the spirits of those who have gone before her: her late father, James Dutton; her mother, Marjorie Dutton; and her dearly missed sisters, Elizabeth Dutton and Anne Sexton. Their memories remain as guiding lights to all who continue to cherish Bernadette’s legacy.

A memorial rosary will be prayed for the repose of her soul at 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 13th at St. Mary's Church in Temple. A Mass celebrating Bernadette’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located at 1018 S 7th St, Temple, TX 76504. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance, to reflect upon her remarkable journey, and to celebrate the gentle, steadfast love she gave so freely. Interment will occur at a later date. 

As Bernadette’s loved ones gather, sorrow is tempered by gratitude for the gift of her presence in their lives. Her kind spirit and faith-filled example will remain a source of comfort, inspiration, and hope for generations to come.

A special thank you to the nurses at Baylor Scott and White for their compassionate care. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center.