Obituary of Phyllis "Billie" Wilkinson

WILKINSON: Phyllis "Billie" Elizabeth. On December 11, 2016 at the palliative care unit at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, with her daughter and son-in-law present, Billie passed away peacefully, at 95 years of age. Billie Astleford was born August 29, 1921 in Tuxford, SK. She went to school there and in Moose Jaw, SK. She married her school-age sweetheart, George Wilkinson, on September 8, 1942. After George finished serving in WW2 they lived in Moose Jaw, Fort Francis, ON, Swift Current, SK, and Prince Albert, SK, before moving to Brandon in 1962. She worked at the Brandon University library for 25 years. She and George were active in Kinsmen/Kinettes and K-40 in Brandon and they enjoyed regular Bridge games, dancing, golfing in the summer and skating at the Keystone Centre in the winter. They regularly attended services at Central United Church in Brandon. They travelled extensively, especially after their retirements, and made lasting friendships with people they met during their travels. Billie enjoyed cheering for her favourite baseball, football, and curling teams. Billie is survived by her daughter, Lauree, son-in-law Kerry, grandchildren Jamie (Kevin) and Matthew (Courtney), great-grandchildren Lucy, Henry, Edmund, and Vera, and eight nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, David (1976), and her husband of 67 years, George (2009). Billie exuded warmth and friendship to all. She especially loved children and took great pleasure in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be missed. Her family is incredibly thankful to the staff of the second floor of Fairview Personal Care Home, the Emergency ward, the Orthopedic Surgery ward, and Palliative Care Unit of the Brandon Regional Health Centre for their warm, personal, and professional care, for Billie. A celebration of her life took place at Central United Church, 327- 8th St., on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Milo Spooner Craig officiating. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Billie can be made to the BRHA Foundation, 150 McTavish Ave, Brandon, R7A 2B3, the Alzheimer's Society, 4B-457-9th St., Brandon, R7A 1K2, or to the charity of choice.