Hope Coral Chickoski

Hope Coral Chickoski - 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, in the Valley Regional Hospital with her devoted husband, Richard, of 55 years, by her side. Born in New Russell on August 29, 1940, she is survived by her husband, Richard, Coldbrook; daughter, Karma (Brian Boates), Woodville; grandchildren, Kaleb and Clark Boates, Woodville; sisters, Kathy (Cyril) Hiltz, New Ross; Michele Russell (Blaine VanSnick), Timberlea; step-brother, Garnet (Sandy) Gates, Lincoln, NB and numerous nieces and nephews. Hope was the daughter of the late Joyce (Veinot) Russell Gates and Murray Russell. She is also predeceased by step-father, Foster Gates; brothers, Vaughn and Ronnie Russell. After graduating from Mack Business College in Kentville, Hope worked in Bridgewater, Halifax and later at the Town of Kentville. After marrying Richard, they were posted by the Canadian Armed Forces to Trenton, Ontario, where she worked at the Trenton Police Department and became involved with Fashion Two-Twenty cosmetics. After moving back to the Valley, she bought a franchise for several areas and, in 1973, received an achievement award for having a $1000 sales week (lipstick was only $2.50 then). Her dream was always to own a flower shop and she made that dream come true in 1977 by opening Pretti Posies Flower Shop. For over 40 years, through her passion of flowers, she brought happiness to many people, especially brides. In 1994, The Florist Transworld Delivery (FTD) Association appointed Hope as a District Representative for the Atlantic Provinces for six years. In 1995, she received the Entrepreneur of the Year award. Hope wanted to help make a difference where she could. She was a life member of the Kentville Rotary Club and the Valley Regional Hospital Auxiliary as well as a member of the Kentville and Area Board of Trade and the Nova Scotia Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of the Community Development Business Corporations Hants-Kings, Valley Regional Hospital Foundation, New Minas Lioness Club and her church Parish Council. Anyone who knew Hope, remembers that she had a zest for life, loved people and was proud to be from New Ross. Her family was most important in her life and she will be missed greatly by them. Richard and Karma would like to thank all those who prayed for and supported Hope over the years, in particular, the VON caregivers (who were her daily ray of sunshine), Dr. Gunn and the doctors, nurses and hospital staff of the Valley Regional Hospital. Their professional care is much appreciated. Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Due to the Covid pandemic, a private funeral service will be held followed by a private family interment at the Garden of Rest Cemetery, St. James’ Anglican Church, Kentville. A video webcast of the service will be available on-line at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2020 and can be accessed by visiting www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.  Donations in her name may be made to the Diabetes Society or a charity of one’s choice or simply perform a random act of kindness to someone. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.