In Loving Memory of Rena
“Hope is a gift we can give to ourselves, our families, and to our friends.” - Rena Tarbet
The Mary Kay Foundation has lost a dear friend, our precious Rena. She passed into eternity on August 14, 2013 at 2 p.m., but she leaves behind a legacy beyond calculation. She touched lives, she renewed hearts and she spread a message of hope that permeated all of Mary Kay.
Rena became a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant in 1967 and immediately embraced the opportunity, debuting as a National Sales Director in 1983. She was a close personal friend to our dear founder Mary Kay Ash, and as Rena climbed the ladder of success, she stepped into the limelight onstage becoming a favorite speaker and teacher at Mary Kay events. Her message always rang true always supportive, always encouraging, always heart-warming with a touch of humor.
Everyone who knew Rena realized her strength. When she was diagnosed with cancer years ago, she determined to fight the good fight of faith, and she refused to be victimized by this monstrous disease. Instead she embraced the challenge in such a way that many were amazed by her optimism. She willingly shared her message of hope with others who were fighting the same battle, and her courage never wavered. She championed the Go-Give Spirit, and she loved to laugh, spreading joy wherever she went.
Rena was dedicated to her family. She gathered them close like a mother hen. She had positive expectations for her children and they adored her. She loved her husband. She was idealistic but practical. The medical professionals who treated her were amazed by her passion for life. She brought a burst of energy that brightened every room where she happened to be. She wrote books, appeared on videos and used every day God gave her to share her message of hope.
"To me, a successful person is one who lives well, laughs often and loves much; who fills his niche and accomplishes his task; who realizes that true happiness is from within and does not depend on outward circumstances. I will always be eternally grateful for my positive Mary Kay business experience." Rena Tarbet, Independent Senior National Sales Director Emeritus
We will miss her.