Renée Marie Réjeane Wills

Renée experienced a life of both heartbreak and joy. Born in St. Hyacinthe, Québec, Renée grew up in various Catholic boarding schools after her parents separated when she was five. She rarely talked about her painful experiences there but hinted at cold, hunger and abuse from which she ran at 16, ending up in Waterloo, Ontario where her father had settled. There, she met a talented musician, Barry Wills who had just started in the first co-op engineering class at UofW. They married in 1961, happily living on nothing and welcoming a daughter in 1963. They tragically lost a newborn son in 1968.

Mom never sat still. She worked at various jobs and pursued many artistic passions and volunteer work. She took fine arts classes at U of W and had a potter’s wheel and kiln in the home. She made hundreds of sweaters and blankets for family, and newborns overseas. She hosted many “oops I’ve made way too much spaghetti” dinner parties and was always bringing meals to others. Most days, mom shopped at the farmer’s market, always believing in fresh, healthy ingredients before it was trendy.

Renée had a fiery personality and was quick to judge but usually was correct in her assessments. Pity the person who stood in her way of doing the right thing. Red tape was no match for her when it came to caring for others, especially Barry after he became quadriplegic. She was with him every day and made sure he was properly cared for until his death in 2014. After dad’s death, mom moved to West Vancouver to be closer to her family. She continued to love nature, birds (she always had binoculars and a bird book in her car), and the ocean. The ultimate green thumb, she could revive any plant (she said by threatening it with the dumpster). She lived a full life and remained interested in family and world events (and Jeopardy) until the end. Always spiritual, mom was comforted by a recent reconciliation with the catholic church. Renée leaves behind her daughter Lee Ann (Gary Redekop), grandchildren David (Rebecca) and Michelle, sister Carmen Dubé (Raymond) and beloved nieces and nephews.

A service of remembrance will be held at Hollyburn Funeral Home. Date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the wildlife charity of your choice would be appreciated”