Obituary of Stella Massey-Hicks

July 14, 1931 - Lichtenburg, South Africa

February 3, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Stella Massey-Hicks passed away Friday, February 3, 2023, in Calgary, AB, at the age of 91. Holding hands with her beloved daughter, Arlene Dickinson, and dear caregiver, Jessa Brena, Stella transitioned peacefully from sleep, to the eternal home she had spoken of and longed for. She was at last going to be with her loving parents and adoring brother. 

Stella van Praag was born on July 14, 1931, in Lichtenburg, South Africa, to her father David van Praag, from Amsterdam, and her mother Hendrina Johanna Visser, of Afrikaner descent. Stella grew up in the Transvaal with her parents and brother, Francois. 

In school, Stella excelled in art and had a keen eye for fashion design; one teacher even suggested that her parents consider sending her to Paris to complete her studies. Stella’s command of the English language was also exceptional, as were the typing and shorthand skills she mastered while attending college. After emigrating to Canada, she worked for decades at the University of Calgary Medical School, as an executive secretary for the Department of Bioethics. Stella’s humble hobby of completing nearly every New York Times crossword puzzle was another testament to her aptitude with words and creative problem-solving. She always had a crossword on the go and loved doing the puzzles with her grandchildren and daughters.  

Stella was keenly interested in current affairs and loved reading philosophy books and wonderfully written novels. Her eyes would light up anytime someone sang one of her favourite songs or laughed at one of her many smart and witty jokes. Her smile was contagious and her laughter demure. She had a huge vocabulary and was always eloquent, no matter her mood. She was a great friend and companion, capable of the most captivating conversation and honest advice (always giving out nothing but). The lilt of her voice was loved by all who spoke to her. She loved watching lakes and rivers pass by, the sound of trees in the wind, and had an overall sense of calm no matter what she faced. Stella was quietly beautiful, both inside and out. Stella always said how blessed she was to be a mom, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother; family was always her biggest source of pride and what kept her heart full.  

Stella will be sorely missed for her wit, charm, tenacity, and tender heart. She is predeceased by her parents; her brother Francois van Praag; and her grandson William Steven LeBaron.  

She is survived by her three daughters, Sandra Massey-Hicks of Calgary, Diane (Rich) Williams of Nanaimo, BC, and Arlene Dickinson of Calgary. Stella also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Emily Jayne LeBaron, Thomas Redverse (Megan) LeBaron, Dr. David Ballard (Courtney) LeBaron, Elizabeth Ann Lebaron, Garett Harley (Danae) Dickinson, Michael George (Deana) Dickinson, Carley Renee (Travis) George, and Marayna Brianne (Vincent) Dickinson; and ten great-grandchildren, Carter, Colton and Faith George, Hailey and Stella Dickinson, Kat and Isaac Nielson, and Breck, Claire and Tobyn LeBaron. She loved all of her family equally and dearly.  

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) for family and close friends on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to enjoy Mrs. Massey-Hick’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Commencement Service to follow at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. 

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Brenda Stafford Foundation, 4628 Montgomery Blvd NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 0K7 or their website www.thebsf.ca.

In living memory of Stella Massey-Hicks, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200. 

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