Irene Collette Reid

REID, Irene Collette (nee Hickman), beloved wife, mom, Gran, sister, aunt and friend died surrounded by her family in the Halifax Infirmary, QE II, Halifax on Monday, October 23, 2017. Born in Sydney, N.S., she was the oldest child of Alvin and Jessie Hickman. She graduated with honors from Holy Angels Convent High School in Sydney before moving at age 16 to Halifax to study nursing at the VG School of Nursing. She became a recovery room nurse and it is through this role that she met her best friend, Dr. Byron Reid, who became her husband on June 21, 1959. Her children were fortunate to have a loving, stay-at-home mom who taught them so many of the skills necessary for life.

Irene returned to university and graduated with her degree in Early Childhood Education, from Mount St. Vincent with distinction. She became the director of Preschool Services at the Halifax YMCA. She subsequently returned to MSVU as a student practicum supervisor.

As a breast cancer survivor, Irene offered much needed support, visiting and providing encouragement and hope to many women through their own battles. She enjoyed corresponding with her sponsor children, staying connected with them for many years. In her retirement, Irene facilitated two Christian Meditation groups at St. James and the Basilica.

She enjoyed family vacations, especially to Cape Breton, mother/daughter camping trips, travel, regular bridge games with close friends, nursing classmate reunions, badminton, time with her grandchildren, and walks on the beach and around the Frog Pond.

She is survived by her sons, David (Heather), Peter (Erica) and daughter, Cheryl (Allyson); grandchildren, Andrew, Rebekah and Simon Reid, Taylor and Charlee Reid and Rowan Reid West and Ethan Blood Campbell; she was predeceased by her beloved hub Byron; parents, Alvin and Jessie, and brothers, Robert and Carl.

Special thanks to Sarah Krieger-Frost and friends and staff at Evan Hall who were bright lights in her final years.

Visitation will take place in J.A. Snow Funeral Home 339 Lacewood Dr. Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 10 am – 12 pm and from 2-4 pm.

A memorial service will be held in St. James Anglican Church at the Armdale Rotary on Sunday, October 29th at 1:00 p.m. There will be a gathering in the church hall following the service. All are welcome.

Donations in memory can be made to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia (mentalhealthns.ca).