WILLIS (BILLIE) MCCAUGHEY

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WILLIS (BILLIE) MCCAUGHEY 1923 - 2014 On December 7, 2014, Willis (Billie) McCaughey passed away peacefully at Golden West Centennial Lodge. Billie was predeceased by her sister Nora, brothers Jack, Roydon, and Neil, sisters-in-law Joan and Mary, Bill's wife Christina and Ian's wife Theresa. Left to mourn her passing are sister-in-law Ida, nephew Bill McCaughey and niece Barbara McMullen (Clare), nephews Grant McCaughey (Michele) and Ian McCaughey, as well as many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Billie was born on July 30, 1923 to William and Marie McCaughey in Winnipeg, the youngest of five children. She was raised and spent her early life on Walnut Street in Wolseley. She went to Laura Secord primary school and Gordon Bell Collegiate. Billie attended the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Arts program, graduating in 1945 with her Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduation, Billie worked in administration at the office of Osler, Hammond and Nanton. Later, she began her lengthy career as a social worker with the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities. Billie took her responsibilities to help others very seriously and assisted many people in improving their condition and reaching their goals. Billie had many interests outside work. She loved nature, spending time gardening, speed skating, cross country skiing, hiking, bird watching and golfing at Pine Ridge Golf Club. She also looked forward to going to Clearwater Bay and West Hawk Lake to spend time with family and friends. She was very active in her community and regularly attended Westminster United Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Guild. She loved reading, especially mystery novels and books about animals. Billie also enjoyed the arts, attending the symphony, ballet, theatre, and art gallery. She loved learning, keeping up with current affairs, and was always ready to spark conversations on politics and express her point of view. Upon Billie's retirement in 1987, she continued to remain active within the community by volunteering for organizations such as the Children's Hospital Book Mart and delivering Meals on Wheels' with her sister Nora. Family was central to Billie's life. She was a devoted daughter, who lived with and cared for her parents until their passing. Billie and her brothers and sister enjoyed a close bond. They shared many happy memories of their childhood on Walnut Street, playing with neighbourhood friends, great times visiting friends on the farm and vacations at Clear Lake. The brothers and sisters continued their strong family ties into their adulthood and old age, celebrating all birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions together. They were very supportive of each other, extending their love and kindness to the younger generations of the family as well. Auntie Billie was always pleased to see her niece and nephews, and then their children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the company of the little ones. Billie was a loyal friend, maintaining strong relationships over many years. Along with her sister Nora, Billie became a resident of Golden West Centennial Lodge in 2007. Brother Neil joined them at Golden West a short time later. A funeral service and reception will be held on Monday, December 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster United Church, 745 Westminster Avenue at Maryland. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Many thanks to the staff at GWCL for their compassionate care over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billie's name to the Winnipeg Humane Society. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2014