July 12, 2006

In Memoriam: Elizabeth A. Hicks

Elizabeth "Liz" A. Hicks, a Brookhaven systems analyst for more than 14 years, died on Wednesday, July 12, 2006. She was 41.

A native of Syosset, Hicks received a B.S. in computer science from Stony Brook University. She joined BNL in May 1990 as a Data Base Administrator at the National Synchrotron Light Source and later became an applications engineer. Hicks maintained and developed numerous employee databases, assisted the NSLS User Administration Office, helped develop the NSLS stock room database, and provided general support for sections throughout the department.

Liz Hicks with sons Christopher and Adam.

"She was very competent and very good at what she did," said NSLS Business Operations Manager Frank Terrano. "She loved her work, she loved to work, and she never shied away from putting in extra hours. She had a huge effect across the entire department."

When last-minute jobs came in, Hicks was ready to work, said colleague Mary Anne Corwin. "She was always there and always helpful," Corwin said. "She was so friendly and really focused on doing things the right way."

Hicks battled multiple illnesses during her time at Brookhaven, but she didn't let that affect her spirits. "She was so strong-willed and optimistic," said colleague Donna Buckley, who worked with Liz to develop the NSLS stock room database. "She was such a happy person. I don't think I ever saw her angry in all of the days I worked with her."

Described as daring, humorous, and without a "mean bone in her body," Hicks enjoyed skiing, sailing and the annual Mattituck Strawberry Festival, which she attended for the last time with her two sons in June. Hicks left the lab on long-term disability in July 2004, partly to spend as much time as possible with her children, friends said. "She knew she wasn't going to make it to a ripe old age," said colleague Wendy Morrin. "She lived for her boys. She was a really good mom."

Hicks also loved to sing, dance and play the piano. The clanking sound of tap shoes ringing down the NSLS hallways could be pinpointed to Hicks' office, where she and Morrin practiced routines during lunchtime for their dance classes.

"It was always great to see Liz," Morrin said. "She was always cheerful and smiling. She had so much against her health-wise, but she never let it show. She lived every day to its fullest. She was just a truly beautiful person."

A resident of Mattituck, Hicks is survived by her husband, Eugene; her sons, Christopher and Adam; her parents, Holmes and Lucy; her brothers, Gary and Kenneth; and her sister, Lee.

ARTICLE BY: Kendra Snyder