Reenee Christiana Kinniburgh

KINNIBURGH, Reenee

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear mother, Reenee, as she was called to heaven on December 22, 2020 at the age of 92.

Reenee was born in Hardisty, Alberta and was the second youngest of four children to Fred and Ruby Mitchinson.  Since her father worked for CNR, they moved frequently in Saskatchewan (Wilkie, Sutherland, Saskatoon) Alberta, and to England to visit her parents’ family.  

While attending school in London in 1939, war was declared, and she returned to Canada on one of three ships.  The Captain had an extensive library, and Reenee asked if she could read some of his books, but was quickly turned down, as he didn’t want to give all of the children access to the library. 

In her 20’s, Reenee talked her mother into renting a typewriter for a couple of days, so that she could teach herself to type, soon getting a job at the Saskatoon Hospital typing autopsy reports, later moving to Calgary to work as a secretary at Gulf Canada.  After marrying, she moved to the Airdrie farmstead where they soon started a family.  In 1974, they then relocated to Red Deer. 

Once all three children were in school she started working at the Piper Creek Lodge as a Dietary Aid making salads for the residents.   In 1981, she raised Bichon Frises (Scooter and Tiffany) and did the Canadian Kennel Club circuit for a number of years.  

Reenee got her driver’s license at the age of 59, and then was always on the go.  When she retired 1993, she taught herself how to quilt by watching TV shows and reading magazines, even entering three of her quilts in the Central Alberta Quilt Show and the Heritage Park Quilt Show.   One she designed herself, which represented her life as city girl turned farm girl.  

Reenee was an active member of the St Leonard’s Church, ACW and Bible Study for over 40 years.  Her passion was spending time with her family, gardening, reading, cooking, quilting, knitting, needlework, piano, theatre, and concerts.  She was also an avid reader, often having several books on the go.   Countless hours were also spent manicuring her yard, which often attracted wildlife such as deer, moose, fox, rabbits and hummingbirds.   Reenee was also a member of the Red Deer Horticultural Society winning many awards, as well as the David Thompson Orchid Society.  Reenee was a connoisseur of lattes and chocolates, which always lifted her spirits especially when hearing what family tales off Facebook. 

She loved the arts, and attended countless theatre performances, which included Miss Saigon, River Dance, Cats, Les Miserables, Stuart Maclean, even becoming a volunteer for the CATS Theatre in Red Deer.   Reenee was classically trained in piano, but her appreciation for music ranged from Classical, Jazz, and Country.  She attended many concerts such as Nana Mouskouri, Roger Whittaker (loved a man that could whistle), Frank Mills, and Michael Buble. In 1995, while attending Mozart on the Mountain, Reenee was interviewed and was quoted in the Calgary Sun.   Her last concert she attended was Johnny Reid - third row centre as a member of the Tartan Army- and by the way, his eyes are blue!  

Reenee will be fondly remembered and cherished in the hearts of those who knew her. She leaves behind her three daughters, Christine (Jerry), Sheila (Keith), and Gail (Matt).   By her grandchildren, Nicole (Rob), Stuart (Nicole), Noel (Katherine), and Sophie.  She has also survived by her great-grandchildren, Liam and Jacob.  By her brother, Gerald Mitchinson; nieces, Linda (Jerzy), Karen (George); nephews, Derrick, John (Helen), Fred (Val),  Don (Maggie), Marty (Coco), Paul (Marianne).  By nieces, Catherine (Dale), Janet (Bob), Wendy (Les); and nephews, Perry (Isabel) and Ron. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Ruby Mitchinson; brothers, Harold (Olive), George (Dot); sister-in-law, Doreen; and niece, Carol.  Predeceased by mother and father-in-law, Carmen and Edith; and brothers and sisters-in-laws, Dave and Marg, Percy and Marjorie; and niece, Heather.

The family would like to thank Dr. Thompson for her support over the years, and to the Points West Living and Revera Inglewood for her care.  Due to Covid restrictions, a Private Graveside Service was held for the immediate family.   Rev. Janet Richardson of Stettler United Church officiated.   A Celebration of Life will be announced in 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Reenee will be gratefully accepted at the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.