Billingsley, Helen of Trail passed away suddenly due to complications with pneumonia at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital on March 12, 2011. Helen was born November 15,1947 in Paris, Arkansas, USA.
Helen was more than a wife to Glen, and Mom or Grandma to many. Her family; immediate and extended, were her greatest love. Never a closed door, always an extra seat at the dinner table and a bed for anyone.
When you think of glue holding a family together....crazy glue couldn’t compare! Any occasion was reason enough for a dinner...not just dinner...an event; all welcome including a friend of a friend of a friend. There was never a bigger heart, or one that had more ability to give than hers.
Many children, natural and foster entered her door and heart. All had the gift of knowing the radiant unconditional love she provided. Her strength came from allowing the children to give her their gift of love in return. As Aryelle said, “she changed everyone’s life”.
Helen is survived by her husband of 45 years Glen, her children: Barb (Rick) and children, Joshua, Sydney, Lucas, and Keandra. Michelle (Randy) and children Jordan and Jacob. Sheena (Bill) and children Hannah and Chloe. Aryelle as well as a number of foster children that were blessed to have her as a mother. She is also survived by brothers, Dave, Jack and Steve, and sister Arla and Janne.
The family want to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in the I.C.U. department. A special thank you to Dr. Seagull, Dr. Mountain and nurses Cheryl and Kathy...your sincere kindness, patience and understanding is immeasurable. Thank you.
A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Friday March 18, 2011 at 10:30am. Al Grywacheski of Personal Alternative Funeral Services is entrusted with the arrangements.
Donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation East and West Kootenay, Box 3023 , Castlegar, BC V1N 3H7 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 908 Rossland Ave., Trail, BC V1R 3N6