Billie, daughter of Elmira and William Mitchell of Woodstock, Ontario, was born January 29, 1924. Billie was raised and educated in nearby Barrie, Ontario. Billie excelled in high school, completing an academic grade twelve including studies in Latin, German, French and English. During her teenage years, Billie worked in a large hotel dining room where her Mom was employed as a cook; after leaving school, Billie worked at Loblaws.
In 1939, Billie met Adam Folk at Camp Borden where Adam was stationed for Basic Training. They maintained contact during the six years that Adam was overseas. On October 17, 1946 Billie and Adam were married in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. In 1953, Adam, now employed as Game Management Officer with the Department of Natural Resources, moved his family including two small children to the remote Northern outpost of Buffalo Narrows. Summer travel was via boat; winter by dog team or bombardier. Vehicles moved in and out of the community by barge. The nearest medical facility was in Isle La Cross, some distance away. In 1956, to Billie’s great relief, Adam was stationed to Hudson Bay, a community Billie loved right from the start. In 1958, the family was overjoyed to welcome baby Natalie.
Billie started a career with Canada Post in 1960, a job she enjoyed as it connected her to so many people. Working part time, in 1966, Billie returned to high school to complete her “Saskatchewan Senior Matriculation”. Feeling privileged to return to learning, Billie so enjoyed the lectures of Mr. Hamilton in History, Mr. Leson in Economics and Mr. Clotsman in English. In 1982, Billie had surgery to correct her heart murmur. In 1984 at the age of 60 years, Billie retired as Assistant Postmaster.
Education was clearly a top priority in Billie’s life; she stressed its importance in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Billie held a strong belief that education was key for personal independence and economic security. The Stewart Hawke library bears Billie’s name in honour of her dedicated service to education. Billie served for more than twenty-five years, first on the Local School Board and then the Hudson Bay Division Board. Billie believed in community service, serving on the Pioneer Lodge Board and the Credit Union Board. As member of the St. Dominic’s Parish, Billie was part of the choir, the CWL and the Ladies Auxiliary.
Billie loved the written word; she loved to read; she loved to write. Billie had a keen interest in Canadian and American politics and world affairs. She loved music, British humour, playing Scrabble, Jersey Milk chocolate bars with tea and her pets. The family will always treasure memories of her great faith, her generosity, her strength of character and her unending love for her family.
Predeceased by her husband Adam, September 23, 1989, sisters Myra McCartney (2008) and Terry Erickson (2010), Billie is survived by daughter Myra, husband Ray, son Royce (Donna), son Rod and great-granddaughter Hope; daughter Nancy, husband Jim, son Craig (fiancé Bree) and daughter Kristen (Jesse); daughter Natalie, husband Roger, daughter Samantha, husband Mark, great-granddaughter Aurelia, and daughter Hannah.