Obituary of Brigadier Hickman

Gwen Hickman passed away peacefully in Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre on Tuesday in her 100th year. As a child she moved with her parents, Edward and Janet Heffernan from Port Blandford, Newfoundland, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The young Gwen thrilled to the message and ministry of The Salvation Army and in her twenties was Commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer in 1941. Over the next 40 years she served from coast to coast in pastoral and administrative roles. In 1961 Gwen was married to Major Fred Howlett in Hamilton, Ontario where she worked extensively with the Hamilton Temple Youth. Major Fred Howlett passed away in 1985, and in 1988 Gwen married Brigadier Garfield Hickman and moved to Toronto where she was fully involved in the Seniors' ministry of the North Toronto Citadel. Gwen thanked God constantly for all His leadings and blessings. She testified that God's grace has been sufficient in every situation. Predeceased by husbands Major Fred Howlett (1985) and Brigadier Garfield Hickman (2002); by sisters Marjorie Moore and Edna Leonard; and by brothers Bramwell and Edward Heffernan who met death tragically in 1933; by brothers-in-law Dick Leonard, George Robertson, Joe Moore; by stepmother Mabel; and nephew Randall Robertson. Gwen is survived by sister Shirley Robertson of North Vancouver, B.C., and by nephews and nieces whose pictures with their children and grandchildren she proudly displayed in her room for all to enjoy. The family wish to thank the staff of the Meighen Retirement Residence for their support and friendship with special appreciation for the nursing and pastoral care Gwen received during her final illness. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 13. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Tuesday, July 14 at 1:00 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers should be directed to the Meighen Retirement Residence, 84 Davisville Avenue, Toronto M4S 1G1 or The Salvation Army North Toronto Community Church Youth Program, 7 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto M4S 1A1. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com. "Servant of God, Well Done"