Sunrise: September 19, 1939 - Sunset: August 6, 2018
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear elder Sophia ‘Penny’ Billy (nee: Edgar). Penny descends from the Billy/Daniels & Edgar/King families. Penny was born on September 19th, 1939 in Bella Coola, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Lions Gate Hospital on August 6th, 2018. She was 78 years young and was fondly known as “Penny or Kiki” to her family and friends.
Penny grew up in Bella Coola and attended Sir Alexander MacKenzie Secondary School. She assisted with the Nuxalk student recording language program and completed a secretary program at Pitman Business College. She was an office manager assistant at the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and mentored under Chief Joe Manual. She was an activist for First Nations laws and rights that affected indigenous people and their communities. In the early 1980’s she did not shy away from her beliefs and Penny was involved in protests. A few were The Protection of Isla (King Island Clear-cutting), The Constitution Express-an organized movement for the federal government to recognize Aboriginal rights within the Constitution, Concerned Aboriginal Women to help empower women by being involved in developing and changing legislation that affected them such as Bill C-31, The Indian Children Caravan was a march and demonstration that lead to an agreement for the Spallumcheen Band to have control over their own child welfare program and Idle No More. Penny always supported doing the right thing and she instilled that belief, teachings and values into her children and grandchildren. Penny was an organizer, fundraiser, and always involved in the North Vancouver Canoe Club.
Penny is survived by her husband of 58 years Michael ‘Cedric’ Billy and they raised their family in North Vancouver on the Mission Indian Reserve IR #1. She will be missed by her children Mitzi (Jeff), Cheryl (Alvin Sr.), Michael (Denise), Ian, Reno (Emma), Special Daughter Edith. Grandchildren Melanie(Bart), Mallory (Wallace), Cory, Brooklyn, Alvin Jr., Barrett, Catherine (Devin), Reeva (Lyam), Michael Jr., Trevor, Wesley, Kayla and Kimberlee. Great grandchildren Sophia, Michael, Adeline and Aleckzander. Penny has two sisters Delores (Tom) and Karen, Special Grandchildren and Great grandchildren Andrea (Wally), Akelah, Walter Jr. and Aniah.
Penny’s legacy is her unconditional love for family, her knowledge she shared about how to can salmon and make all sorts of preserves. She always had her home open to family and friends she will be missed at family celebrations for always having a delicious spread of home cooking and treats. She raised and mentored many youth throughout the years and she will be remembered for her kindness.
A Prayer Service will be August 9, 2018 at 7:00 pm and a Funeral Service on August 10, 2018 at 10:00 am both services will be at Chief Joe Mathias Centre, 100 Capilano Road North Vancouver, BC.
On line condolences can be found at www.glenhavenmemorialchapel.com
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