Obituary of Constance Bilben

The family of Connie Bilben wish to announce her peaceful passing at the Bow Crest Care Centre on Tuesday June 5, 2007, at the age of 90 years. Mom was born and raised on the family farm west of Balzac. She attended the one room Dry Creek School from grades one through eight, rode horseback to Airdrie for grade nine, then returned to Dry Creek School for the completion of her education. She married Walter on June 4, 1941 and together they purchased her parents farm where they resided until retirement to Airdrie in 1973. Upon Dad’s passing, Mom lived at the Bethany Care Centre in Airdrie, then moved on to Big Hill Lodge in Cochrane. With declining health, Mom made the move to Bow Crest Care Centre in 2003, where she resided until her passing. Mom was a gentle soul who loved her family and never complained. Connie is survived by daughter Barbara (Dennis) Holmes of Cochrane; son Ken (Debbie) Bilben of Calgary; grandchildren Paula (Huw) Jeffries of Cochrane, Rick (Julie-Ann) Bilben and Melanie (Chad) Joyce, both of Airdrie; and great-grandchildren, Morgan and Shae Jeffries and Wyatt Joyce. She is also survived by sister-in-law Julia Walton of Edmonton. She was predeceased by two infant sisters; parents Frank (1940) and Ida (1958) Davy; granddaughter Jacqueline (1987); and her beloved husband Walter (1988) whom she has missed dearly since his passing. A private family service will be held at St. Clements Anglican Church in Balzac, on Monday June 11, 2007, with a reception for family and friends to follow at the Balzac Community Hall at 3:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca., or to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, T3B-6A8, Telephone: (403) 955-8818. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at the Bow Crest Care Centre. In living memory of Connie Bilben, a tree will be planted at Fletcher Park, Airdrie by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH. Telephone: (403) 276-2296.