It is with great sadness that we signify the passing of our dear mother, Margaret Sue Basden nee Hickey, in Des Plaines, Illinois on March 2, 2025. Margaret (Mickey) Basden was born May 11, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her mother Helen Sue Jones nee Portway, her father Ralph Hickey, and step-father Eugene Francis Jones, as well as her husband John William Basden. She also joins her sister Donna Grace Wardlow nee Hickey, and brother Michael Lawrence (Patricia) Hickey, and loved brothers and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her three children Joann Alice (Thomas) Pichla, Thomas Gene Basden, and Jennifer Rae (Scott Peter) Bello, and her brother Patrick Ralph (Julianna nee Park) Hickey. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Thomas William Pichla, Paul Francis Bello, Margaret Rose Bello and Evelyn Anne Bello; siblings-in-law Bobby Joe (Dorothy) Basden, Nora (John) Gray, Shirley (Wayne) Jones, Travis Basden, Betty (Ray) Timbes, Elizabeth Darnell White, and Jerry Wayne Basden, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Mickey had a passion for reading, theater, travel, lighthouses, and international dining but above all else, helping others. She was known for her kind spirit and love of laughter. As a neonatal nurse for more than 30 years, she touched the lives of many families in addition to her own. Even after retirement she spent many days donating blood, serving food in homeless shelters and volunteering for her church community. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She cared for everyone she encountered and her spirit was a true blessing to us.

Her wake will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, March 15th at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Family and friends are welcome to attend and offer their condolences. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Lurie's Children's Hospital of Chicago.
For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.