Obituary of Florence Elsie (Sullivan) (Atkinson) Hicks

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Florence Hicks, age 83, on Friday, December 31st, 2021 at the Drew Nursing Home in Sackville, New Brunswick.

Born on June 5th, 1938, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Florence was the daughter of the late Madeleine (MacKay) and Walton Sullivan.

Florence will be lovingly remembered by her children, Edward Atkinson (Brenda), Sandra Atkinson (Eli Collins) and Jason Hicks (Barbara Campbell); her grandchildren, Caitlin Hicks, Isabelle Hicks, Amy Atkinson and Shawn Atkinson; her great-grandchildren, Abigail, Clayton and Isabelle Atkinson; her sisters, Beatrice (Leonard) LeBlanc, Donna Sullivan, Madelyn (Roy) Clare, Laureen (Albert) Estabrooks; her brother, Clinton Sullivan (Carol Clare); her brother-in-law, Lewis Henderson; her sisters-in-law, Gwen Delaney, Joan Sullivan, Phyllis Stopps and Judith Fiero, as well as by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Florence was predeceased by her first husband, Douglas Atkinson; her second husband, Adrian Hicks; her son, Timothy Atkinson; her infant daughter, Patricia Marlee; her brothers, Richard and Dean Sullivan; her sister, Wendy (Lewis) Henderson; her sister-in-law, Vivian Sullivan, as well as by her brother-in-law, Richard Atkinson.

Florence was employed by the NB Telephone and Telegraph Company and then at Mount Allison University Ralph Pickard Bell Library. She retired in 2003 after twenty-five years of dedicated service.

She was a lifelong member of the Sackville United Church of Canada, active in the UCW, Protestant Women’s, Parents and Tots and the church choir. She loved music and singing and found great joy participating in choirs, plays and community musical events. Flo loved children, especially babies and reveled in their company. She volunteered with Girl Guides of Canada and Boy Scouts of Canada.

It was a real honor for Flo when she was recognized by the Town of Sackville with the 2016 Golden Long Term Volunteer Award for her 50 years of volunteerism. The award was marked with a park bench dedicated to her in the Sackville Waterfowl Park, one of her favorite places to walk.

Flo will be missed for her wonderful sense of humor, her chuckle and her ready smile. Always up for a celebration, some of her birthday celebrations were known to last a week or more. A good cup of tea and conversation with friends was always welcome. During the summers she spent many hours whiling away the days at Walton’s Beach, whether it was time spent camping or at a family cottage.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Erin Campbell and staff of Campbells Funeral Home,89 Bridge Street, Sackville N.B. (506) 364-8188. A funeral service will be held at the Sackville United Church on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 1 pm with Rev. Lloyd Bruce Officiating.  All are welcome to attend.

In the meantime, a quiet walk to her bench in the Waterfowl Park may help those who miss her to acknowledge this wonderful woman who showed kindness and shared laughter with so many.  She will be missed.

Donations of remembrance may be directed to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of ones choosing. On-line condolences and sharing of memories may be forwarded to the family through our website www.campbellsfuneralhome.com or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.