SALEM- Rena E. (McEwen) Wilkins, 91, of Salem, wife of the late Richard P. Wilkins, died Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at Blueberry Hill Healthcare in Beverly following a period of declining health.
Born in Wheaton Settlement, St John, New Brunswick, Canada on April 7, 1911, she was the daughter of the late Gilbert and Laura (Wheaton) McEwen. Due to her mother’s illness, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, the late George D. and Alice (Burgess) Grant, formerly of Hamilton, MA.
She was a registered nurse for 40 years and was employed at Danvers State Hospital and the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers where she retired in 1972 as night supervisor.
Mrs. Wilkins was a graduate of Hamilton High School, Salem Commercial School and the Danvers State Hospital School of Nursing in 1932 and was a member of the nursing school’s alumni association for many years.
A resident of North Beverly for many years, until moving to North Salem in 1947, she was an auctioneer and real estate agent in Salem. She was a member of the Second Congregational Church in North Beverly, where she was supervisor of their Cradle Roll for many years. A member of the Late Bloomers’ Club, she enjoyed ten pin bowling, gardening and meeting and dining with her many friends. An avid fisher person she owned her own boat until well into her 70's and enjoyed flounder fishing in local waters as well as fresh water fishing in Maine and the Ipswich River.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jack L. and Barbara Wilkins of Weston, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced by the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. There are no visiting hours. Donations may be made in her memory to the VNA of Greater Salem, 800 Cummings Center, Suite 166S, Beverly, MA 01915. For guest book & other information, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.