Vera Mae Hicks , 86, of Westland, died on February 15, 2017. She was born in McDonald, PA, on August 8, 1930, to Ionia and Ollie Wallace. Vera moved to Detroit with her family when she was one year old. She remained a Detroiter for most of her life and was very well traveled. During her lifetime, Vera visited many exotic locales, including Cameroon (Africa), Norway, Paris, Vancouver (British Columbia), and the Caribbean. She also visited many of our United States, including Hawaii and Alaska multiple times. Her standard answer to any travel invitation was, "Just tell me when we're leaving. I'll be ready!"

Vera graduated from Northwestern High School and went on to work as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a certified massage therapist, and a private-duty caregiver to the elderly. Her caring nature carried over to her private life, where Vera went the extra mile for anyone in need, whether that need was a meal, medical care, Sunday Communion, a place to stay, or one of her signature hugs—everyone who ever crossed paths with Vera got one of her signature hugs!

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, James Wallace and Alfred Wallace; and her sister-in-law Jessie Wallace. She is survived by her three sons and their wives, Stephen (Adena), Dennis (Barbara), and Gary (Mary Jo); dear friend (and adopted daughter!) Kathie McGregor Rogers; sisters-in-law Maddie Wallace and Juanita Wallace; her 8 grandchildren (Steven Jr., PeterJoseph, Michael, Christina, Jodie, Autumn, Jordan, and Gabriel); 16 (almost 17) great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews and lots of wonderful friends.

When Vera's mother, Ionia, passed away in 1998, Vera lost her best friend and confidant. Like her mother, Vera valued education above many things. Whenever possible, she attended high school and college graduation ceremonies for her children and grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews around the country—traveling as far away as Alaska and New Mexico to congratulate the graduates in person on their big day.

In addition to traveling, Vera worked hard to stay healthy and fit. Her many interests included tai chi, water aerobics, Hawaiian dance, and even belly dancing for seniors! Vera was also a very faith-filled person and maintained a long-time membership in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver, a Catholic fraternal organization.

Looking back on a life well lived, it seems only fitting to close with these words from someone who was a great inspiration to Vera:

"The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation."  –Corrie ten Boom

Visitation Wednesday 2-8pm with a 7pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Rd., Garden City (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill). In state Thursday 9:30am followed by the 10am Funeral Service at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 31530 Beechwood (at Merriman Road, 2 blocks north of Ford Rd.).

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 1330 W. Peachtree St., Ste 100, Atlanta, GA 30309.