March 19, 2023
In the early morning hours of March 19th, Heaven received a new Angel. "Our Treasure" Kathleen Vilips passed away comfortably in her sleep at age 93 in the wonderful care of the Abbotsford Hospice after a brief illness.
Kathleen was born in Coseley, England in 1929. She left school at age 14 to work in a factory in Wolverhampton manufacturing hand grenades during WWII. After marrying Albert Bilton at age 18, she emigrated to North Vancouver in 1957 where they began to raise their daughter Susan.
When Kathleen became a single mother, she bravely applied to a Males Only ad for a sales position in the ladies' shoe department at the downtown Hudson Bay. She convinced them to give her a "chance" and after her probation period, proved to be one of their top sales people. She served in this position for 33 years until her retirement from The Bay at age 65.
Kathleen married Eduards Vilips in 1977 and spent many happy years with him until his death in 1998.
They shared a love of gardening, cooking, travelling, card games and family. Kathleen loved going to the casino to play the slots, playing the Lotto, and the Vancouver Canucks.
Since Eduards' passing, Kathleen has focused all her love and energy on her family. She is survived by her daughter Susan Fonseca (Stephen Kemp), grandson Ryan Fonseca (Katherine C.); great-grandson Kade Rui Fonseca, brother Colin Fletcher (Beryl), niece Lynne Hale (Rob), niece Violet Laurie (John Pike), step-granddaughters Charlene Fonseca (Duane Knutson) and Cindy Williams (Lloyd), and many extended family members and friends here and in England. Kathleen very much enjoyed making new friends during her last few months at the Langley Seniors Village. She loved going out for fish and chips with son-in-law Steve and loved her years living in the Nico Wynd community.
The family wishes to thank all the staff at the Langley Seniors Village and the Holmberg House Hospice in Abbotsford for their love and care for our beloved matriarch over the past few weeks of her life.
The family will plan a private Celebration of Life in the late spring. Sincere thanks to those who have sent wishes of condolence. Kathleen has left us with her example of living a good and honourable life and she will live in our hearts forevermore.