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STEPHANIE BILYJ
Date of Passing: Mar 03, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySTEPHANIE BILYJ Stephanie Bilyj passed away on March 3, 2018. She was predeceased by her husband, Wasyl; father, Harry Antoshkiw; mother, Magdalyna (Bewza); and cousin, Michael Antoshkiw. Left to cherish her memories are daughters, Diane and Adrienne (Kurt), and grandson, Michael. Stephanie was born in Winnipeg, MB and was raised in the North End. She attended Faraday and Isaac Newton Schools, later going to Success Business College. In 1947, Stephanie was stricken with tuberculosis surviving two surgeries and spending six years in recovery, of these, more than three years at Ninette Sanatorium. Shortly after Ninette, Stephanie married Wasyl Bilyj in 1953 and was widowed in 1963. Stephanie was employed with Pitfield, MacKay & Ross Investments for 11 years and the Winnipeg School Division Special Education Department for 23 years as Administrative Secretary until her retirement in 1997. Stephanie was a dedicated member of the Ukrainian Catholic community. She served as Catechism Coordinator at Blessed Virgin Mary Parish for 12 years and was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada since 1971 holding executive positions at National, Provincial, Regional, and Branch levels. She also held an executive position on the Ukrainian Canadian Women's Committee. Most recently, Stephanie served as Archivist on the U.C.W.L.C. National and Archeparchial levels and as a representative for their national publication Nasha Doroha. Among many proud achievements were membership in the Millennium Choir, which sang for Pope John II in Rome (1988); serving two four year terms as President of the Ukrainian Catholic Council of Manitoba (1995 to 2003), being the first female President of BVM Parish Council (2002 to 2015), and receiving the U.C.W.L.C. Honorary Life Member Award in 2001. Stephanie was a tireless advocate of Catholic Social Justice. Her work included writing letters to MPs requesting abortion bill vetoes, organizing that U.C.W.L.C. branches receive petitions against abortions and euthanasia, membership in League for Life, and membership on a committee that presented a brief to the Manitoba Government on poverty, abortion, euthanasia, and compensation of caregivers. Stephanie was a mentor and all who knew her marvelled at her strength, humility, compassion, and hard work. Our grateful thanks to Reverend V. Bashutskyy, Palliative Care nurses Jennifer and Carol, nurses Nichole and Carol, and the staff at Riverview Health Centre. Rosary will be Friday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. followed by Prayers. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by His Grace Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak and Reverend V. Bashutskyy on Saturday, March 10 at 10:30 am. (the Liturgy will be interpreted). Both services will be held at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 965 Boyd Avenue with interment to follow. Pallbearers will be Michael Bilyj, Myron Drepko, Walter Epp, Bill Harrison, Terry Krowchuck and Rostyslav Surowy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Siloam Mission, and Holy Names House of Peace. Vichnaya Pam'yat
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2018
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Dear Diane & Family - Sending you all deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. With Sympathy Joanne Sarakula (Hrycak). - Posted by: Joanne Sarakula (nee Hrycak) (Distant Friend) on: Apr 06, 2018
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I worked with Stephanie for many years. We spoke often over the telephone. Always pleasant and to the point. It was a pleasure to work with someone who cared about their work. You knew that she would get the job done and it was accurate. We never really met in person but we were glued to the telephone as telephone buddies. I will have fond memories of Stephanie. Condolences to the family. She was one great lady. Take care. - Posted by: Evelyn Myskiw (Co-worker employee of Winnipeg School Division) on: Mar 14, 2018
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We wanted to extend our condolences and deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother. Dad and Mom had a special bond with your mom, especially as she was their bridesmaid at their wedding many years ago. We are sorry we could not attend your mother's funeral. We let Gary know about the sad news (he now lives in Chicago). It is always so sad to lose a parent but the pictures and stories will keep their memories alive in our hearts. Take care.....David and Gisele Okrusko P.S. Bill sends his hugs to you.... - Posted by: Bill, David and Gary Okrusko (Friend) on: Mar 11, 2018
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Diane, Linnie, Michael, my condolences to you on the loss of your Mother, and Baba. Stephanie always spoke of you with great pride and was always so very proud of her Michael. I am sure she will be a big loss to you and all those who knew her. Rest in Peace Dear Stephanie. - Posted by: Sharon Johnston (Co-worker) on: Mar 10, 2018
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Condolences to the family of Stephanie: I had the pleasure of working with Stephanie at CGC for many years. Stephanie was a dedicated and hard worker. Always very business like and respected by all. Even with her no nonsense approach, Stephanie still enjoyed a good laugh. We all enjoyed her company. Please accept my sympathy. - Posted by: Elfie Martens (Co-worker) on: Mar 09, 2018
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I got to know Stephanie when we would supply her printing for UCWLC. Whenever she would bring her order in we would chat and I came to look forward to our visits. A number of years ago she stopped coming in but our visits continued over the phone when it was time to place the orders. I'll miss hearing from you Stephanie. My condolences to the family. Your mother was a wonderful lady. - Posted by: Val (Friend) on: Mar 09, 2018
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Please accept our heartfelt condolences. I am sorry we are unable to attend as we are out of the country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Stephie and Allan Phimister - Posted by: Stephie Phimister (Goddaughter) on: Mar 09, 2018
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I had the pleasure & honor, volunteering with Ms. Bilyj on several Ukrainian Catholic Council {Centralia} Conventions & Bishop Levee's. Ms. Bilyj was a fountain of information, a true inspiration for me, working/volunteering within the Ukrainian Community. She was truly devoted to her culture & church, I was also enlighten, inspired, & put in my place when needed, yet she would do it with grace & understanding. I now realize why she was so giving of her time, energy, & life, to her love of Church, Culture, & Community. May the Lord bless her, welcome her into his heavenly kingdom. Rest in peace, lovely Lady. Robert/Shirley Erstelle - Posted by: Robert Erstelle (Fellow volunteer) on: Mar 09, 2018
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I remember Mrs. Bilyj from the Millennium Choir that my late brother and I attended. Many memories. May her memory be eternal! Vichnaya Pamyat! - Posted by: Corey Letwinetz (Acquaintance ) on: Mar 09, 2018
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My mother and Mrs Bilyj were close friends when their kids were growing up. I remember spending countless summers at Falcon Lake and many Ukrainian Christmases together. I have such fond memories of these days. Linnie and Diane, your mother was a gracious lady who always made me feel welcome in your home. I will always remember her kind heart. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Michelle Kucher (family friend) on: Mar 08, 2018
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I worked with Stephanie for 8 years, 7 of them supposedly as her boss but no-one was fooled - Stephanie was the boss. She had been the administrative assistant in the Special Education Department almost from its inception. She knew how the department worked, how the school division worked, who the important people were, how to get things done, and, most importantly, what had already been tried unsuccessfully. For many people in the school division, Stephanie was the Special Education Department - certainly the person they should ask for important information. She taught me more about how to be a manager than any course I've ever taken. Of course she despaired about how times had changed - how informal professional dress and behaviour had become and particularly how computers were replacing memories and paper files. Easy for her to say - she either knew everything or where to find it. I'll always appreciate what she taught me and how she covered for me. In fact, the whole school division owes her a debt of gratitude. Stephanie was the consummate professional and a great colleague to work with (for). - Posted by: John VanWalleghem (Co-worker in the Special Education Department of Winnipeg School Division) on: Mar 08, 2018
