Masako Ao Hicks

Masako (Ao) Hicks, 78 Masako Hicks, passed on to a better place Thursday morning January 3, 2013, after a brave fight with cancer and lung disease. She was born in Choshi, Chiba Prefecture, Japan on October 3, 1934, to Kanè and Rintaro Ao. She met and married John R. Hicks in Tokyo Japan in 1960 and moved to the United States the same year. They settled in the Indianapolis suburb of Lawrence and later moved to Greenwood, where she and John raised their family. Masako proudly became a naturalized US citizen in 1963. She worked for Western Electric and Naval Avionics before retiring to their home on a nature preserve in rural Coal City, IN. Masako was an avid Japanese Classical dancer who achieved Natori professional status and was named Fujima Yukinojo. She also enjoyed years of touring and dancing with the Indianapolis Minyo Dancers, a Japanese folk dancing troop who travel extensively throughout the Midwest bringing Japanese culture, tradition and joy to all who attend their beautiful recitals. She is survived by her loving husband of over 52 years, John of Coal City, IN; daughter Michelle and son Mark. Her strong will, quick smile and sharp wit will be missed by her many friends in the US and Japan. Visitation will be Sunday, January 6, 2013 at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington Street from 1pm till 6 pm. Services will be Monday, January 7, 2013 at 1 pm from the Funeral center. Entombment will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to sign the online guest book for Masako at; www.flannerbuchanan.com In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made on-line to the American Lung Association www.lung.org or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan