Stella Marie Hickman (née Vlaszac, formerly Mawson) passed away peacefully in her home in Villas, New Jersey on July 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of those who carried her through every chapter of life. Marie was a woman with a fierce loyalty and a soft heart — someone who loved deeply, forgave often, and showed compassion even when life made it hard. She had a way of making people feel seen, and she held her family close in her own quiet, steady way.

Among the many things Marie loved, frogs held a special place in her heart. They were her cheerful companions and her favorite little treasures. Her home was filled with frog figurines and decorations, each one chosen with care and each one carrying a bit of her spirit. Her family will forever remember the way her face lit up when she spotted a new frog to add to her collection, or when she noticed one outside in the yard.

Marie is survived by her children: Dawn Grove (spouse Amelius Grove), Terry “TJ” Hickman Jr. (partner Kristyn Lyncheski), and Heather Mawson (fiancée Sammie Mason); her grandchildren: Charity Carman, Jasper Carman, Austen Harris, Chrys Harris, Joshua Harris (partner Taylor Pietrolugo), and Aiden Mason; and her great-grandchildren: Kayden Estrada, Rylee Harris, and one soon to arrive. She is also survived by her brother George “Eddie” Vlaszac; stepmother Carol Vlaszac; and Terry Hickman, with whom she shared many years of marriage. She was predeceased by her sister Francis “Maureen” LeBlanc; father George Vlaszac; mother Faith Allegretto; and stepfather Michael Allegretto.

A viewing will be held from 10 AM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 11AM at Evoy Funeral Homes Inc., 3218 Bayshore Rd., North Cape May, NJ. Burial will take place at Seaside Cemetery in Marmora, NJ. A luncheon will follow the burial.