HICKS, Rena Jane

March 25, 1931 - December 3, 2020, of St. Peter’s, Richmond Co. Passed away peacefully in Richmond Villa, St. Peter’s on Thursday, December 3rd. Born in Loch Broom, Pictou Co., she was a daughter of the late Albert and Lottie (Burge) Gunning. Rena is survived by her loving family: her husband, Rev. Jack Hicks; daughter, Jane Anne (Mike); sons, Clinton (Donna), Tim (Barb), and Wade (Karen); predeceased by her son, Dale (Caroline); granddaughter, Ashley; and Gunning family siblings, Russell, Wendell, Winnie Sewell and Anna Molyneaux. She has nine grandchildren: Meghanne, Adam, Alyson, Katelyn, Taylor, Rebecca, Shannon, Ashley, and Rachael; and many nieces and nephews. After graduating from Trenton High School in 1948, Rena worked as an operator for MTT for several years. She and Jack were married in 1956 and following his ordination in 1958, she served in the church for many years. Since moving to St. Peter’s, Rena was a homemaker for her family, a paraprofessional school employee for several years, and she served with the St. Peter’s United Church choir and later as a church organist. She studied and received her diploma in Theology and Ministry at age 70. Rena was a woman of deep faith and love, a quick wit, she loved to joke and have fun, to sing with a beautiful voice, and dance with a smile from ear to ear. She was a unique, vibrant, free-spirit, a hard worker with a heart of gold. Fitting with her personality, she liked to dress in bright colors, very often the same as her twin sister Anna, with whom she shared a special connection. We will miss you sweetheart, mom, nanny, and special friend and hope for our reunion in glory. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the wonderfulmemory Lane staff at Richmond Villa. There will be a small funeral held in St. Peter’s United Church, today, Monday, December 7th for the family and COVID-19 protocols will be followed, seating will be limited. Donations in memory of Rena may be made to the Richmond Villa Fund, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, St. Peter’s. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com