Tribute

“A Kind and Gentle Soul” 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Dianne Billau (Lackie) on April 1, 2019 after a short but brave battle with Cancer.  Margaret was born in Edmonton, Alberta on September 26, 1945, the youngest of eight children to Alexander and Edna Lackie. Margaret thoroughly enjoyed her rural childhood in Darwell, Alberta, especially playing with all the animals on the farm, and swimming in the nearby lake when the weather allowed. As a young adult, she attended classes at the University of Alberta and worked for the City of Edmonton before marriage and raising a family became a priority for her.  During her 54-year marriage, Margaret supported her husband faithfully in all of his endeavors which included many work-related transfers across Canada. By the time they finally settled in Chilliwack in the early-90s, the couple had moved more than twenty times.

Margaret was proud to be a life-long learner, learning to cook French Cuisine in her twenties and returning to school in her forties to attain her social services diploma and later a certificate in financial planning. A great believer in an active lifestyle, Margaret walked at least 10km a day until an injury in 2017 forced her to cut back to only 10,000 steps a day.

She will be sorely missed for her gentle, soft-spoken demeanor and warm smile which she bestowed on the world with great regularity and enthusiasm. Anyone who entered her home was greeted with old-fashioned hospitality and genuine affection. Her wonderful sense of humour brought joy to all who encountered her but also gave her strength under even the most trying of circumstances. She would always chose laughter over tears as the soundtrack of her life.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents and all seven siblings: Donald, Isabelle, Granton, Wilfred, Clifford, Martha and Lorita. She will be profoundly missed by her husband Donald, daughter Tammy, and son, Trevor (Michelle). She is survived by her grandchildren Stacy and Matthew, grand-kitty Finnegan, numerous nieces and nephews, including a special bond with her beloved nephew, Bradley.

Not one to draw attention to herself or create a sad occasion under any circumstances, Margaret has requested that there not be a service. If so desired, a donation to the SPCA or Safe Haven on her behalf would be appreciated.