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GLASS, Rena Marie (née Ruest)
July 4, 1954 — February 26, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rena Glass (née Ruest), who passed away at the age of 70 on February 26, 2025. Born to Roger and Estelle Ruest in Les Hauteurs, Quebec, Rena was the firstborn of four children, and her deep love for her younger siblings was evident to all who knew her. Growing up in Quebec, she formed a special bond with her cousins, particularly Michelle, who was like a sister to her throughout her life.
In 1971, Rena’s family moved from Quebec to Hinton, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Graham. The couple later moved to Kelowna, BC, where they started a family. In 1976, Rena and Graham welcomed their first son, Jason, followed by their daughter Trina in 1978. Rena’s love for her children was immeasurable, and it was evident to anyone who saw her with Jason and Trina how deeply she cared for them. The family planted their roots in Kelowna, creating a home full of love and forming lasting friendships that enriched their lives. This life took a turn in 2006 when Graham unexpectedly passed away.
Rena’s life was forever transformed when she became a grandmother. Her first grandchild, Cameron, brought so much joy into her life, and the bond they shared was a beautiful testament to the love she gave. Later, Grayson came along with his beautiful soul, and Rena’s heart expanded in ways she never thought possible. The connection between this devoted grandma and her boys was one of pure love and adoration. Rena attended every ball/hockey game, every birthday, and every life event she could, always making sure she was a front-and-centre part of their lives.
In 2011, Rena’s life grew even richer when her daughter Trina met Keith, who brought with him Mackenzie and Zack, additional grandchildren that Rena loved and cherished. Rena’s connection to Keith was special, and he held a warm and cherished place in her heart. Rena also deeply valued the life and love that Jason and his wife Cindy built, and she always looked forward to their visits and keeping up with their adventures. She was very proud of her children’s lives.
Rena was a dedicated and hardworking woman throughout her life. She worked at Canadian Tire in her earlier years, followed by Coopers in Rutland, and spent her final working years in the foods department at KGH hospital, where she developed many lasting friendships. Even after retiring, Rena remained active, working part-time for her daughter’s cleaning company, and taking pride in every detail of her work. Trina, of course, made her “employee of the month” every month.
It was at KGH that Rena met Roy, the love of her life. Their love blossomed in 2011, and the bond they shared continued to deepen until Rena’s final days. Roy was a pillar of support and love for Rena, and she cherished their time together deeply. Rena became an integral part of Roy’s family, particularly cherished by his late mother, Mary, whom Rena held in deep affection.
In addition to her work, Rena was passionate about giving back. After learning about the high costs of cancer treatment, she devoted much of her time to volunteer work at the Kelowna Cancer Clinic, where she connected with others facing similar struggles. She wore her badge and blue vest with pride until her health began to decline.
Rena was also an active member of the Rutland YMCA, where she fell in love with playing pickleball. Although she was new to the sport, she quickly made friends and became an avid player. This rang true to the family as well when they all noticed Grandma getting much better on court during the family pickleball games. She loved their weekly games with Keith, Trina, and the crew.
Rena will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her dedication to her work, and her spirit of giving. Her legacy will live on through the countless people whose lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and love.
Rena will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband Roy; her children, Jason (Cindy), Trina (Keith); and her parents Roger and Estelle Ruest. She was a proud and cherished grandmother to Cameron, Grayson, Mackenzie (Luigi), and Zack. She will be deeply missed by and her siblings, Jocelyn (Beth), Josee (Steve), and Doris. She leaves behind a close-knit family, including her sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Margaret (Vern); brothers-in-law, Grant (Kathy) and Pat; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart. She will also be missed by the family dog, Jack, who Rena loved and spoiled.
The family would like to thank all the medical support staff that were so amazing to her throughout this journey particularly Dr Thomson, Dr Amigo, Dr Banwell, Nurse Danielle, Kayleen, Palliative Nurse and friend Jodi, and dear friend and Reiki provider Jessica.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer – Kelowna – Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior.
A celebration of Rena’s life will be held on FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME (2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC), where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honour a remarkable woman who will be dearly missed by all. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
LIVESTREAM:
July 4 1954 — February 26 2025
Death notice for the town of: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice GLASS Rena Marie née Ruest July 4 1954 — February 26 2025
obituaries notice GLASS Rena Marie née Ruest July 4 1954 — February 26 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of GLASS Rena Marie née Ruest July 4 1954 — February 26 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
