Obituary of Barbara May Eliza Bilinski

July 1, 1941 – Ottawa, Ontario

March 17, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Barbara May Eliza Bilinski (nee Cockwell) passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, in Calgary, AB, at the age of 82 years, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 1, 1941, to Marion and Ernest Cockwell in Ottawa, ON, and was the youngest of three brothers. She spent her childhood in the Ottawa Valley before moving to Toronto, ON, to attend nursing school and then she worked at The Hospital for Sick Children. She met her husband, Edward Michael Bilinski, in Toronto and they were married on October 9, 1965, had three children, and were happily married for 59 years. In retirement, she and Ed moved to Canmore, AB, to be closer to their two daughters and four grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Barb brought warmth, compassion, and joy to everyone she encountered. Her kindness was limitless, and she was cherished by all who knew her. Barb touched the lives of many as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and colleague, giving her best in everything she did.

Barb had a passion for her garden, sewing, knitting, crocheting, swimming, reading, and walking in the mountains, but above all else, she found immense joy in her family. She was a devoted wife to Ed, a loving mother to Kalyna, Sandi, and Michael, and an adoring grandmother to Ben, Ella, Mackenzie, and Griffin. She will be remembered most for her bright smile and laughter, vibrant spirit, steadfast resilience, boundless kindness and affection, and as the ultimate cheerleader for her children and grandchildren.

Barb is survived by her beloved husband Ed, her daughters, Kalyna Bilinski and Sandi James; her sons-in-law, Ian Walters and Mike James; her grandchildren, Ben Walters, Ella James, Mackenzie James, and Griffin James. She was predeceased by her son Michael.

Barb is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Gerry and Karen Cockwell, brothers-in-law, Tim Kablak and Chris Stone; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

In accordance with her wishes, there will not be a formal service held, and cremation has taken place.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, ON, M4R 1K8, Telephone: (416) 488-8772, www.alzheimer.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Barb’s family here.

In living memory of Barbara Bilinski, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.