Anna Hicks (nee Kennedy) was born in Flint, Michigan, moving to Winnipeg at an early age. She graduated as a home economist from the Manitoba Agricultural College in 1920 and went on to Columbia University, New York for post-graduate studies. Returning to Manitoba, she taught household arts at the Manitoba School for the Deaf and Domestic Science at Earl Grey in Winnipeg.
She married Herb Hicks in 1926, leaving the city to live on a farm in the Souris area a century farm in 1980. Hicks joined the Women’s Institute in 1927, serving terms as president on all levels. She carried on her homemaking courses for young women. She inspired the Women’s Institute to take on responsibilities and perform services that were later recognized by all levels of government.
Hicks served her church as well, as a member of the choir, member of the Women’s Missionary Society and United Church Women and superintendent of Sunday School. During the war, she was instrumental in providing an “at home” setting for those stationed at the Souris Air Base. The Hicks’ home was open to new immigrants in the area; during the Depression, Hicks helped establish a farmer’s market. In 1945, Hicks, as a member of the Electrification Committee, was successful in having a trial area established in the Souris district.
For 40 years, Hicks served as a director of the Souris and Glenwood Agricultural Society. She judged handwork and baking in southwest Manitoba for 50 years. She was a member of the Horticultural Society from 1954; worked to develop a regional library; promoted music and art festivals. In 1972, she was named First Lady of the Year by the area Beta Sigma Phi. In later years, she became a member of the Golden Age Club and was part of the original planning committee for Victoria Park Lodge.
Hicks was typical of an area when people were proud to be willing and able to do things for themselves in such a way that future generations might benefit.