Obituary of Billie Frances Farmer
Billie Frances Farmer
Billie peacefully slipped her earthly bonds to be with her Lord in the early hours of August 14th, 2019. Billie packed a lot of life into her 96 years. Whether she was playing a piano for “sing alongs” for seniors or veterans; playing the organ at numerous churches or out on a “church crawl”; whether volunteering at countless Royal Canadian Legion events; playing cards; throwing darts; selling raffle tickets; driving patients to a doctor or just being “busy” those who knew her would all agree that no grass would ever grow under her feet.
Billie was born in Brantford on July 10, 1923 the beloved daughter of Lillie (Knightley) and Bert Farmer and the little sister to her “big brother” Kyrle, who have all predeceased her. During WWII Billie was one of the first young women hired at the Massey plant; in fact she was an early member of the “Massey Girls”, a loose knit group of women with similar ties to Massey. After “our boys” returned from the war Billie went on to a career in accounting with Massey, McCracken’s and the Salvation Army. Later, in retirement, she would keep the books for the Grand River Prayer Book Society.
Always conscious and respectful of her Six Nations – Peter Miller and Jemima Claus family heritage; Billie was a staunch supporter of indigenous rights.
Billie will be fondly remembered by nephews Blake (Judy) Farmer of Carp and Eric Farmer of Stittsville. Also remembered by her sister-in-law Winnifred Farmer, nephew Ross (Kathy) Farmer of Manotick as well as grand nieces; Katie, Jessica and Alexis and grand nephews; Cayle, Sam and Zak.
Special thanks and hugs to; Rev. Paul Luth, Arthur Lefebvre, Dr. Paul Medve, Heather Hingley Campbell, the entire staff of Norview Lodge in Simcoe and especially the care staff of Willow Walk for their excellent care, endless compassion and attention to detail. And to “Billie’s Ladies”; Pam, JoAnne, Sheila, Jenn, Sue, Leslie, Tanya, Chris, Jayne and Tish for their support, loving care and always knowing in which sleeve Billie’s tissue was hidden and finally Alex Mallory for all his visits with smiley faced balloons inflated with happiness and love.
Billie’s final arrangements are entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral home, 102 First Avenue in Port Dover. Cremation has already taken place. Visitation will be from 10AM to 11AM on Wednesday August 21st, 2019; immediately followed by The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 158 memorial service then at approx. 11:15AM a service from the Book of Common Prayer officiated by Rev. Luth. A light luncheon will follow. A private interment will be held later at the Knightley Family plot in Mount Hope Cemetery, Brantford. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to; the Harbour Museum in Port Dover, St. George’s Reformed Episcopal Church Hamilton, Royal Canadian Legion Br. 158 Port Dover or simply “help save a life” by donating a unit of blood in Billie’s name.
