Ann Hicks

We are heartbroken to tell you that Ann - our beloved mum, nana, aunty, sister and friend - died peacefully in the early hours of 28 September at Consort nursing home. After prolonged treatment for cancer, during which she fiercely maintained her independence, enduring all with characteristic stoicism - “Doesn’t bother me, dear”- we are all relieved she is now at peace. She was vivacious, kind, no-nonsense, and downright hilarious. Her storytelling ability was, and will remain, legendary. She was also creative in other ways, and loved baking, cake decorating and crafts of all kinds. Rarely could you turn up at her home without a baked good being pressed upon you, and no family wedding was complete without a cake topped by some of her sugar flowers. Green-thumbed, she always kept a wonderful garden, several houseplants, and was the plant hospital for any neglected greenery. She doted on all animals which crossed her path (and there were many) and adored all babies. Ann was also a pillar of her church community. She turned her hand to everything from cleaning to church treasurer, to running kid’s holiday clubs and creches and was extremely proud of her 5* hygiene rating and many years of service in the day centre kitchen. Ann travelled the world with family and friends, racking up visits to many continents over the years. However, no place could compare to her beloved Cornwall - she used to say her only regret in life was being born just inside the border of Devon. She wanted her life to be described as a ‘proper job’ and we think we can all agree it was a life lived well and to the full. The whole family is grateful to Ann for her love, care and wisdom throughout her 81 years. We will always remember her as the matriarch of our family, leaving big size four shoes to fill. We will miss her and treasure our memories of her forever. We will celebrate her life on 22 October at her beloved St Budeaux Baptist Church, wearing not black, but bright colours, and remembering her as a vital, active part of our lives. Instead of flowers we ask for donations here or in person via the envelopes provided at the church. We had a wonderful celebration for Ann on 22 October, and thank you to everyone who donated £525 for her on the day. We have arranged to scatter Ann's ashes on her birthday in her favourite place, Looe. Ann often spoke of returning to Looe in her final weeks, so it's fitting that this will be her final journey.