Half of Anita's cremains were scattered at sea offshore the coast of Pt Loma, San Diego, in the area of the kelp forest. The other half was interred at Miramar National Cemetery. Always remembered, always loved, may she Rest In Peace.

I was a teenage sailor aboard the USS George Washington on my first deployment to sea 25 years ago. I became ill and was referred to the Sick Bay below deck where I met this beautiful, reserved, fit-as-fiddle, elegant in speech and carriage, and genuinely kind doctor named Lieutenant Commander Anita Hickey.

She didn’t have to, but she would come to me every morning for the several days I spent there to converse with, and encourage me. Her voice was quiet yet her words were powerful and forever memorable. I never saw her again after that deployment but I never forgot her.

I was reminiscing about that cruise lately and wondered: “Whatever became of Dr. Anita Hickey” and decided to search online. Alas, I came too late.

Anita, I am sorry it took me as long to look for you. I remember you and wanted to say thank you, however late. You left too soon. My petition to the heavens on your behalf is that you be granted eternal rest. It was nice to have met you ma’am. I bid you goodnight.

PS:

I made the trip to Rhode Island like you recommended, and while touring the Providence area, I stumbled upon a school, Brown University, and ended up going there. I like to think that it was you still looking out for me.

- From that young, black, “nail-biter” kid on the GW, in 1997.

Anita, You saved me! I know you you are uncomfortable with taking credit for a miracle. You held me to task in a loving and caring way and I obeyed. You enriched my life in so many ways; they continue to vibrate today and more than likely, the remainder of my earthly life. Not only did you provide care to me but you took it a higher level of genuinely caring, from your heart and soul. It was felt then and continues today. I know you are in our Lord’s presence celebrating an exceptional life. You are loved very much.

Friends are a gift from GOD and Anita’s friendship is a wonderful gift that I continue treasure. Her friendship inspires me even now to continue to learn, grow in health, and help others. Her passing leaves me sad and I miss her, but am comforted to know I will see her again.

Anita was and always will be my best friend. I trusted her with my life, my love and so much more. Anita was also close friend with my husband Brian. We both miss her dearly, but like her father in law said so well, she would not want us to grieve her loss, but celebrate her life. I lOVE you Anita, forever. Your friend, Vera 

Dr. Hickey was a joy. She treated all of her patients and co-workers like family. I use to tell her she is our "Angel doctor". Her smile lit up the room bring reassurance and comfort to all. She would work long hours treating patients and putting their needs above her own. She brightened up the Pain clinic at NMCSD. Yes, she was amazing and will be missed dearly. I pray her family stays strong and the memories bring them joy forever. Hugs, from one of her nurses.

Wishing those left behind Comfort, love and light.
To paraphrase Schuller: We can count the number of seeds in an apple;but, no one can count the number of apples in a seed...
Anita planted seeds of compassion that will continue to bear fruit for eternity.
Thank you Anita for always being true to yourself and in that we were free to be true to ourselves.
Rhodel

Anita was a mentor and friend through the years. She was a gentle spirit and shared herself lovingly. Stephen, may you know she is resting in peace now. My sincere condolences.

Anita was truly representative of all the higher traits we should strive to achieve... compassion, generosity, love, strength, fearlessness, and many other words to describe the ideal. She was the most generous person that I have known and she had an inner light that was unlike any other. She believed in the goodness of others and always led with the positive. I was stunned and devastated to hear of her passing just now. I thought of her just two days ago and wanted to reach out for her perspective as I knew it would be delightfully lovely and spiritual. She lived a truly amazing life. She was taken from us far too soon and I am sure she had amazing impact on so many others just as she had on me. She achieved so much while selflessly giving to so many. It was one of the greatest fortunes in my life to have known her. I will miss you always, Anita.

The warmth of Anita’s glow could be felt when walking into a room where she was present. She had the most beautiful, peaceful aura of anyone I’ve ever met. It was mystical. She projected a non-judgmental, loving kindness that made everyone from colleagues to patients feel comfortable even when exposing deep vulnerabilities.  She was a life mentor to me throughout anesthesia residency and a valued confidant when I needed her wisdom to help me though stressful times. Upon graduation, I gifted her with a “Yoda” doll which had a personalized placard to express my gratitude; she will always remain a true, spiritual Yoda.  Anita, your generosity and love has profoundly touched many of us and will live on, through us, with you as our angelic guide.

I met Anita in 2011 at Balboa Naval Medical Center. I am a nurse and She became my mentor on so many levels. She personally helped me through a very difficult emotional family crisis and physical health crisis in my life. I feel her being in my life was a God thing. Her gifts of healing were extraordinary. What I learned from Anita I cherish and share. Anita I am a better nurse, mother and much better human being from knowing you. You bring out the best in people. Forever in my heart ❤️. Till we meet again .

Anita was the full package. She was beautiful, incredibly smart, a trusted friend and colleague, a dedicated physician, and a devoted wife and mother. Anita made time for everyone, and was always very generous.

She has left a legacy and will forever be remembered as a gem...a true “one of a kind”. I am honored to have known and have been inspired by the way Anita lived her life. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and patients.

Anita was a friend, mentor and colleague for over a decade. She was someone whom I trusted implicitly, and she taught me so much over the years. She was one of the most knowledgeable, generous and kind hearted people I ever knew at Naval Medical Center San Diego. I will miss her always.

It is very difficult to accept that Anita is no longer among us. Her sudden loss a few days ago is tragic and so premature. She had much more she wanted to do with her life. So many unrealized dreams. I will miss Anita's presence, kind heart, infectious laughter, and generosity of spirit. A beautiful person within.

I am so lucky that my son, Stephen, brought his beautiful Anita into my family. Her laughter, and her joy for life, were truly infectious, and she will be sorely missed. She will live forever in my heart and I will miss her dearly.
But, I will not mourn for her, as I know that she would not appreciate any sentiments that are not uplifting. May God bless you forever unto eternity.