On Thursday, May 9, Dr. Billie Eleanor Jean Housego passed away swiftly and painlessly at the age of 89, at Vancouver General Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on April 8, 1935, and grew up in Edgerton, Alberta, beloved daughter of adoptive parents Margaret and William McBride, whom she cherished. When she lost them too soon, Billie found solace in the warm embrace of the Fulks family. In 2017, Billie was able to return to Edgerton, re-connect with friends and family, and visit William and Margaret’s resting place.
An award-winning scholar, she studied at the University of Alberta, and went on to become a professor of Educational Psychology at UBC. At the University of Alberta, she met and fell in life-long love with fellow educator Ian Housego, who became her devoted husband of 59 years. They had one daughter, Joellen, proudly following in their footsteps as a teacher, and warmly welcomed dear son-in-law Timo.
In mid-life, Billie was miraculously reunited with her birth mother, Greta Dymond, her sister the late Vivian Pall, and her nephews Michael (Delora) and Brian (Cathy) - a blessing that continues to unfold. She was thrilled to be great-aunt to Nolan (Millie), Travis (Katherine), Coral (Mike), and Bowen, and most recently, great-great aunt to Halle. She also treasured her relationship with Ian’s relatives: his late mother Matle, his late sister Vivian Meikle, her children Pat (Mac), Sandy (Shane), Judy (Ed), Rob (Cathy), the late Nancy Meikle, and their extended family.
Billie was known for intelligence, perseverance, creativity, and elegant, gracious personal style, as well as kindness, compassion, courage, and fierce advocacy for justice. She will be remembered as an inspiring example, and an exceptional wife, mother, aunt, sister, cousin, friend, mentor, researcher, teacher and citizen. A member of the United Church of Canada, her faith was strong, and near the end of her life, she spoke of the Golden Rule as her guiding principle: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Her spirit flies free, and her legacy lives on in everyone who benefited from her influence.
“Companion of dark days and exultant hours
Drier of tears and arranger of flowers
Traveler, teacher, creator of art
Billie is powerful, Billie is smart.”
Donations may be made in Billie’s name to First United Church: https://firstunited.ca/donate-now
Billie's memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 1:30 p.m. at West Point Grey United Church.