Farewell

My Aunt Billie (Lesley) passed away this evening at age 96, my Mom’s cousin and last living relative.

She was like a sister to my Mom, having spent part of her adolescence living with my Mom and her parents. As an adult, she and her husband ran the radio service connecting the primitive areas of Idaho. Billie lived a full and fascinating life and was still feisty at 96. I remember talking to her some years ago and mentioned Mom felt herself slowing down at 77. Billie said, “Pffuh, I could kill a snake at 77”. I’m sure she could have, too.

We went to see her in Oregon in May and had a great visit over two days, for which we are very grateful.

I took this photo a few hours before we saw her for the last time.

Everyone’s time comes – no one is exempt. She kept going for almost 97 years and if anyone could have beat the system, it would have been her. Or my Dad.

Farewell, dear Billie. We love you and will miss you so. I hope your next journey is full of adventures and happiness.

– g