Rena Rybicki

The eternal spirit of Rena Jane McBride Rybicki departed her perishable earthen vessel on Friday, September 28, 2012. Escorted by God's rejoicing angels, she has now been clothed with the imperishable, and in the radiant presence of her Savior and Lord, Jesus, the Christ.

Rena was born in Panama City, Fla. on Jan. 11, 1935, to George and Herselle (Fields) McBride. She grew up in Panama City, and after graduating from Bay High School, attended Florida State University in Tallahassee. While at FSU, she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and FSU is also where she met her husband, Ted Rybicki. She gave birth to one son, Ted Jr. ('Teddy"). Both her husband of 56 years, and her son, are survived by her passing.

Rena spent the majority of her adult life in the Orlando area. In addition to being a devoted wife and loving mother, who gave selflessly of herself to her family, she was also a school teacher, and greatly loved by her students. She eventually returned to live in the Panama City area with her husband, so as to be near her mother, who was ailing.

Rena and Ted quickly made friends with the other residents of the Panama Country Club, where they chose to reside. She became a member of the Women's Auxiliary Golf Association, and Rena especially enjoyed the outings with her 'Red Hat' lady friends. She was an avid reader, and a well-known personality at the Lynn Haven Public Library.

Yet the one activity that gave Rena the greatest joy was volunteering in the maternity ward at Gulf Coast Hospital. Her service and commitment as a volunteer, for over a decade, was recognized many times as 'Best Volunteer of the Year', and she even received the honor of a First Humanitarian award. No doubt she is already busily serving in Heaven's nursery, attending to babies there!

A celebration of Rena's life will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Wilson's Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens/Hwy 231. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 10 to 11 a.m., one hour prior to service time. Flowers will be accepted, however, donations to Covenant Hospice, 107 W 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405 are heartily encouraged, in lieu of flowers.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory". Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? 1st Corinthians 15:54-55

Wilson Funeral Home