02/10/2026
Vivien Catherine Hicks
Vivien Hicks (née Beach) was born on November 4, 1931, in Ottawa, Ontario, and passed away peacefully in Toronto on February 5, 2026.
Predeceased by her beloved husband, Cecil, Vivien leaves behind a loving family who were the great joy of her life. From her first marriage to Eldon Hay, she was the proud mother of Keith (Susan), Heather (Bill), Ron (Hilaire), and Nancy, grandmother of Mari (Che), Lindsay (Nuni), Sandy (Kayla), Cédric and Elias, and great-grandmother of Shasta and Sebastian. She also leaves behind her brother “Bud”, her cousins Barb Beach and the Sullivan family (Mary, Marg, Cathy, Christie and Jane), and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews.
Vivien graduated from Ontario Ladies’ College and Ottawa Normal School, and was particularly proud to complete a Bachelor of Music degree from Mount Allison University at age 50.
She spent most of her adult life in Sackville, New Brunswick where she was an active and valued member of the community. She was instrumental in fundraising and establishing a kindergarten program years before it was adopted by the public system. Later she taught elementary school and was known as “Mrs. Music” at Sackville Elementary school. She inspired generations of students as a private piano teacher, sharing both technical skill and a lifelong love of music. Vivien served for many years as organist and choir director at Sackville United Church, and later attended St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. She was generous with her time and energy, and volunteered on several boards and was very active in her community.
Her children were her pride and joy, and her dedication as a mother was evident in so many ways. Whether it was driving them to music lessons, basketball and hockey games, or knitting or sewing a special item, or staying up late Christmas Eve to create the magic of Christmas, one wonders when she slept!
“Viv” was, like her name, fun, lively and vivacious. She enjoyed playing games and cards, or instigating food fights and would be the first one to spit a watermelon seed out directed at another. She loved connecting with others and took great pleasure in entertaining and spending time with friends.
She first met Cecil at the Sackville Curling Club, and that became their second home. In retirement, the two loved travelling, dancing, their dogs (first Sport, then Rosie) and spending time at Hicks Beach.
In 2018, Vivien moved to Christie Gardens in Toronto, where her musical skills flourished. Soon after her arrival, she carried on the leadership of the Christie Chorale, became a proud Concerts in Care “Ambassador” (and helped bring other music to Christie Gardens), and hosted a weekly sing-along that brought joy and connection to many in the nursing floor community. A lasting legacy is the Yamaha grand piano that has a place of honour in the auditorium – she was determined to get a great instrument that visiting musicians would want to come and play – and initiated a process where many came together to make that happen. An avid ‘kitchen’ bridge player, she was also known for her sharp mind, enthusiasm, and warm companionship.
Generosity and creating community were two of her strongest qualities. She was often the first to welcome a new neighbour and regularly reached out to those in need. Just by walking by her Christie Gardens door, which she kept decorated and changed regularly, you could see first-hand her sense of fun and commitment to community – celebrating holidays, honouring Remembrance Day/Mother’s Day/Father’s Day, acknowledging Pride Day or Canada Day, or simply bringing a smile to the faces of residents and staff alike.
Over the years Vivien enjoyed painting, various crafts, attending Blue Jays games with her sons, and watching sports (especially “the curling”, which she followed with great interest and delight).
She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Donations in her memory may be made to Concerts in Care Ontario (www.concertsincareontario.com) or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care and supervision of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville. Honouring her wishes, cremation has taken place and Vivien will be laid to rest in the Four Corners Cemetery, Sackville, at a later date.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home page.
