Women’s History Month - Remembering Mississauga's Kathleen A. Hicks

In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual month-long celebration of the outstanding achievements of women throughout Canada’s history. Women’s History Month in 2020 includes the International Day of the Girl (October 11) and Persons Day (October 18). For Women’s History Month we will be looking at the life and times of several women who have left their mark on the story of Mississauga.

Kathleen A. Hicks (1931-2020) passed away on July 24, 2020 at the age of 89. She will be remembered as an author who published more material on the history of the City of Mississauga than any other, at least to date. She was a passionate advocate for, and enthusiastic supporter of, local history. Kathleen started her writing career in 1962, and between 1972 and 1977 she was an editorial columnist for the Mississauga News. Through her work with the News, and in volunteering with Heritage Mississauga, Kathleen conducted well over 1000 interviews. Over the course of her career, she authored over 800 articles for a variety of publications. She also produced and hosted television shows for Cable 10 (Rogers Television) from 1973 to 1977. In 1995, Kathleen wrote, produced and hosted a documentary for the with Rogers called, “Riverwood: The Estate Dreams are Made Of.”

Over her career Kathleen published 13 books: The Silverthorns: Ten Generations in America (1996), V.I.P.s of Mississauga (1998), The Life & Times of the Silverthorns of Cherry Hill (1999), Clarkson and Its Many Corners (2003), Meadowvale: Mills to Millennium (2004), Lakeview: Journey from Yesterday (2005), Cooksville: Country to City (2005), Dixie: Orchard to Industry (2006), Malton: Farms to Flying (2006), Port Credit: Past to Present (2007), Streetsville: From Timothy to Hazel (2008), Erindale: Early Times to Evolution (2009) and Move Over, Buddy Rich (2011).

In addition to her prolific writing career, Kathleen established the Lioness Club in Canada in 1975 and served as the charter president. Between 1973 and 1977, Kathleen organized the Happy Holiday Entertainers who produced variety shows for charity.

Kathleen received numerous awards of recognition over her career, including the Mississauga Arts Council Senior Literary Award (2000), Mississauga Garden Council Honourary Member Award (2002), Heritage Mississauga Lifetime Member Award (2004), Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow (2008) and Riverwood Conservancy: Lifetime Member (2012). In 2011 the Mississauga Library System created the Kathleen Hicks’ Literary Award for aspiring authors.

Kathleen was born and raised in Lakeview, and lived in the Cooksville area of Mississauga for over 50 years, before moving elsewhere with her family in her later years. Kathleen was very community-minded and she gave freely of her time. She logged countless volunteer hours with Heritage Mississauga, Friends of the Library, Mississauga Arts Council, and the Mississauga Garden Council (Riverwood Conservancy). Kathleen leaves behind two children, four grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren, a plethora of friends in the heritage community in Mississauga, and lasting legacy on the published history of the City of Mississauga.