Rena Begin Burbank

AUGUSTA – Rena Begin Burbank fell asleep in death after a long struggle with dementia Thursday, July 29, 2021 at the age of 78 at Augusta Center for Health & Rehabilitation, where she had been receiving excellent care from the staff, and more recently from Constellation Hospice. She was born and raised in Jackman by her parents Rosaire and Jeanne D’Arc Begin. She married Gilbert Burbank of Solon, who survives her, and was a devoted wife and mother for 58 years. She was predeceased by her sister, Louisette, and four brothers, Roger, Raymond, Richard, and Ronnie. She was the beloved mother of three children, Clint of Augusta, Valerie of Limerick, and Craig currently residing in San Diego.Rena’s love for Bible truths led her to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses, and she dedicated her life to her heavenly Father a year later in 1971. Rena was known by her loving, kind spirit and generous nature. She was very industrious and was always ready to learn new skills, such as becoming an excellent seamstress, and learning such things as crocheting, knitting, embroidery, macrame, and velvet painting. She worked tirelessly in home improvement projects, stripping, repairing and papering walls, and stripping paint from all woodwork and beautifully restoring it. She had a very determined nature and had the patience and perseverance to accomplish any task she set her mind on. She was also thinking of others, sending many cards and helping in any way she could. She kept a clean, neat home and was very hospitable, always ready to feed her guests. She loved animals, tending to her plants and flowers, and listening to music.Rena’s joyous spirit and smile was infectious and her love for her heavenly Father was shared with those she met, even through her years of dementia. She enjoyed studying the Bible and had a firm faith in the value of Jesus’ sacrifice and the resurrection hope (John 3:16, Rev 21:3,4). We are comforted knowing she is at peace and in God’s care. (1 Thess 4:13, Mal 3:16).A special thank you to the healthcare workers who took such loving and gentle care of her during her final days. It was very much appreciated.You are welcome to attend her Memorial Service which will be done remotely through Zoom on Sunday, August 29 at 4:00 p.m. (slide show at 3:30). Please contact Clint at 207-441-4150 for login information.In lieu of flowers,donations may be made to:jw.org