Obituary of Rena Hope Russell

RUSSELL, Rena Hope- Age 90 of Halifax passed away September 14, 2019 at the QEII Halifax Infirmary site.  Born in Moose River Gold Mines, she was a daughter of the late Herbert and Gladys Newhook. Before her marriage Rena’s was a school teacher and later worked at Sears for over 20 years.  She also volunteered as a Brownie leader when her daughters were young.   Rena loved to travel; it didn’t matter where it was, she was always up for an adventure and to try new things.  In her down time she loved to read, do crossword puzzles and play SkipBo on Friday afternoons.  She read the newspaper every morning cover to cover and was an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, watching the shows every single night with her daughter Cathy, before she went into the hospital. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church, where she was involved in organizing church suppers for many years.  She was a loving and caring mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She had a special place in her heart for her four great grandchildren, who she loved dearly.  She is survived by her daughter Cathy Russell, Halifax; step daughters, Selina (Stephen) Redden, Tantallon and Valerie (James) Kennedy, Ontario; step sons, Roland (Ruth) Russell, Truro and James (Marilyn) Russell, Tatamagouche; grandchildren, Donald Boivin, Montreal; Monika Boivin, Dartmouth;, JR (Michelle) Klisowsky, Culburra Beach Australia; Michael Klisowsky, Calgary; step grandchildren, Trudy, Jeremy, Lisa, Victoria and Matthew; great grandchildren, Bryson, Jet, Violet and Paisley; brothers, Eric (Doreen) Newhook, Dartmouth and Cecil (Phyllis) Newhook, Upper Musquodoboit; sisters, Gladys (John) Dobson, Dartmouth, Linda Hunt, BC and sister-in-law Sylvia Newhook, Walton; along with numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by both her husband’s Raymond Russell and Otis Russell; daughters, Anita Russell and Rosalie Boivin; son-in-law, Claude Boivin; grandson, Paul Boivin; brother, Russell Newhook; sisters Mary Wilbur, Mamie Higgins and sister in infancy Donna.  Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd, 149 Herring Cove Rd Halifax, NS.  In keeping with Rena’s wishes visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday September 19, 2019 from 3-5 p.m.  A funeral service will take place on Friday September 20, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, 173 Old Sambro Rd, Halifax, NS B3R 2H6, a reception will follow the funeral service in the church hall. A burial will take place at Oakridge Memorial Gardens following the reception.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul’s United Church.  To place words of comfort and condolence, you may visit www.walkerfh.com