Obituary of K. Ann Billard

Ann Billard Glace Bay It is with deep sadness that we, the family of Ann (Milburn) Billard, announce her passing on Feb. 19. She was 74. Ann began her life’s journey in Glace Bay on Feb. 5, 1944 when she was the third child born to the late Chuck and Margaret (Hull) Milburn. Growing up on Minto Street, Ann would go on to graduate from Morrison High School before taking a job with the Bank of Montreal. In 1964, she married Jack Billard. Ann spent more than 50 years as a fisherman’s wife during which she spent time working with him on the boat. Ma, as she was called by daughters Janey and Krista, always enjoyed a good laugh and was known to be irreverent at times. She spent countless summers at the family bungalow in Mira Gut and at the Round Island summer home of the late Dr. Mary Elizabeth Lynk. Ann was an avid listener of CBC Radio and in particular loved Quirks and Quarks. In later years she sponsored a foster child in Africa and attended Glace Bay Baptist Church. And, of course, she always looked forward to seeing her grandchildren when they visited from Out West. Along with her parents, Ann was also predeceased by older brother Michael Milburn. She is survived by loving husband Jack, daughters Janey (Mike) Proskow, Calgary, and Krista (Marty) Gross, Calgary, and grandchildren Kristin, Jack, Adam and Karli (all of Calgary). Ann is also survived by her sister Mary Jala, Sydney. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held Sunday, Feb. 25 from 2-3 p.m. and will be followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. at the T.J. Tracey funeral home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. A reception will follow at the same venue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.