Alicia was born on May 14, 1975, to Steve and Mary Hodgins. This was one of the best days of our lives — our first child. Soon after her birth, we were informed she had an extra chromosome: Down syndrome. We loved her even more. Alicia had far more abilities than disabilities. Our families and friends adored our precious child throughout the years.

She was so loving, sweet, compassionate, entertaining, and yes — she loved to spar with her siblings, letting them know she was in charge. Her humor was priceless, and her laughter was infectious up until her final days.

Alicia was a gift to everyone she encountered. Though maybe not always the guys at Walmart, as she felt free to tell them to “shave your beard,” or greet people by calling them “Buttercup” or “Dork,” which was always meant in a non-offensive way. We often had to explain that one.

Alicia attended and graduated from Riverside School for Special Needs. She surpassed expectations and had the time of her life there.

Beyond high school, she loved getting her nails done, having her hair permed, and shopping — especially at Walmart. She was a true diva, and we loved that about her. She loved a party, and we had many Hodgins and Dennehey family gatherings. Alicia dearly loved her family, friends, and all of her nieces and nephews. She referred to them as her cousins, which was perfectly okay with us.

Work was never really an option, though she tried.

From an early age, Alicia loved music and dancing. She knew all the top bands through the decades and could sing the lyrics from memory. She truly was a rock star. In recent years, she especially adored Taylor Swift and Neil Diamond. For one of her 50th birthday celebrations, we took her to a Taylor Swift cover band concert. The band welcomed her backstage, sang to her from the stage, and treated her like the true Swiftie she was.

Alicia is survived by her parents, Steve and Mary Hodgins; brother, Travis Hodgins and Erin, and their children Ireland, Keely, and Quinn; brother, Joe Hodgins and Janelle, and their children Izzy and Zoey; sister, Heidi Hodgins (Robert) and her children Frankie and Stevie Wainwright; maternal aunts and uncles: Shawn and Darnell Dennehey (Danbury, IA), Shannan (Dennehey) and Ted Daniels (Monticello, MN), Bobbette (Dennehey) and David Kriech (Granbury, TX), Mike and Marilyn Dennehey (Keller, TX); fraternal aunts and uncles: Rosie McNaughton (Littleton, CO), Emmett and Robyn Hodgins (Cedar Rapids, IA), and Ron Hodgins (Onawa, IA). She also leaves behind many loving cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Sybil Dennehey; her fraternal grandparents, Dan and Irene Hodgins; baby sister Hodgins; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and Frankie Wainright Sr.

We did not say goodbye to Alicia. She will be with us every day, every holiday, and always in our hearts. We are comforted to know the glorious visits she encountered — and that we witnessed in her final days — were a true testament that she is home now and “waiting for us.”

Visitation to honor Alicia will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm with a Vigil Service at 7 pm at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City. A funeral service Celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday at the funeral home.