NETTIE BILLOWS (NATALIA BILOWUS)

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NETTIE BILLOWS (nee NATALIA BILOWUS) Nettie passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 25, 2009 at the age of 93. She is survived by her sister Olga Stockfish, daughter Lori (Vince) Boileau, son Gordon (Paula) Billows; grandchildren - Dawna (Jay), David, Danny (Jose), Ronnie (Colleen), Robert (Tammy), Derek (Libby) and Craig; great-grandchildren - Spencer, Cooper, Kayla, Cassandra, Christopher, Kaylee and Alex. Unfortunately, Nettie will be missing the birth of another great-grandchild in August. Nettie was predeceased by her parents Nellie and John Bilowus, three brothers (Bill, Paul, Mike) and three sisters (Ann, Mary, Sophie); her loving husband Fred of 57 years; and her daughter Patricia. Nettie was born on the family homestead north of Ethelbert on November 1, 1915. She married Fred on October 26, 1934. They eventually settled in St. Boniface and had three children. In 1951, the family moved to Winnipeg where Nettie was employed in the garment industry for the next 25 years. Nettie was a loving lady who was there for everyone. She will be remembered for her kindness, beautiful voice and terrific foods. With their family grown up, Nettie and Fred spent their time travelling, enjoying their families, and keeping involved at the Ukrainian Labour Temple. After Fred passed away in 1991, Nettie moved to the Ivan Franko Manor. She sang in the Lesia Ukrainka Choir, served on the executive of the Ukrainian Senior Citizens Club and continued to be very involved in the Lviv Folklorama Pavilion. Nettie had a stroke on January 26, 1999 that left her partially paralyzed and void of normal speech. She moved to the Kildonan Personal Care Centre for the remainder of her time. The family thanks the Kildonan Personal Care Centre staff and residents for the care and friendship they extended to Nettie over the years. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Nettie's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2009