Obituary of Eleanor Ruth Wicks

Eleanor Ruth Wicks

February 5, 1926 – November 6, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eleanor Ruth Wicks (née Richard) on November 6, 2024 at the grand age of 98 years. Eleanor was the strong and social matriarch of a family that adored her. She was visited by family in the evening prior to her peaceful passing at 5:10 a.m.

Eleanor was born in Pleasantville, Nova Scotia, the daughter of the late Erlin Charles Richard and Myrtle Drucilla Richard (née Corkum). She was a lively child and passed her time catching tadpoles, playing in the playhouse her father built for her, and spending time with her cousin Marion. She loved to bake and make preserves with her mom.

Eleanor moved to Halifax to begin work as a stenographer at the age of 16. She lived in a rooming house downtown with other young women. Ever the resourceful woman, she started out her career using a wooden box upon which to do her work. She also taught speed reading and could read lips.

She met her future husband, Gordon Harold Wicks, in downtown Halifax when his navy ship was stationed there. He was immediately enamoured. The two were married on August 7, 1952, in Halifax, and remained happily married for 60 years until his passing on October 5, 2012.

Eleanor always loved children and she and Gordon wasted no time in starting a family. They first welcomed Sandra Fay into the world in 1953, followed by Eric Gordon in 1955. They thought they were done for a while then decided to have another little bundle of joy with Cheryl Anne arriving in 1963. As a mother, Eleanor was easy going, doting and enjoyed playing Scrabble and puzzles with her kids.

Eleanor thoroughly enjoyed making hearty and delicious meals for her family, and teaching her grandchildren how to bake. Always a lover of sweets, ‘Ma’, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always had biscuits or cookies on hand for her family and guests.

She was very devoted to her faith, church, and community. She loved reading the Bible and discussing it with her husband and church friends. She enjoyed frequent trips to the Dingle Tower in Halifax, reading or journaling by bright bay windows in her living room, and hosting or visiting others.

A woman full of warmth, understanding, kindness, and strength, she will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by family and friends. She was practical and loved quotes, and we thought it fitting to share one of her favourites, “Instead of complaining that the rose bush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.”

Eleanor is survived by her children, Sandra McIntyre, Eric Wicks and Cheryl Walker; grandchildren, Jeffrey Wicks, James Slaunwhite, Jonathan MacIntyre, Jason MacIntyre, Andrew Walker, Danielle Walker, Ericka Wicks ,and Ashley Wicks; great grandchildren Kennedy Chamberlain, Joshua Slaunwhite, Justin Tanner, Lily Walker, Guy Baubit ,and Adaline Baubit.  Eleanor was predeceased by her brother, Clyde.

Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax. In keeping with Eleanor’s wishes a visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 13^th, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be on Thursday, November 14^th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association.