Marjorie Winnifred Burns Niblock

April 30, 1932 - October 20, 2024

Marjorie (Billie) Winnifred Burns Niblock, 92, died peacefully on October 20, 2024, after a well-lived life, full of accomplishment and fierce love for her family and friends. Predeceased by her parents, Clarence Webster and Harriet Mabel Niblock and cousin E.W.N. (Skip) Macdonald, she is survived by her beloved sister, Sibyl Louise Geddes, and cousin, Robert W. Macdonald. An aunt beyond compare, she will be greatly missed by her nieces and nephews, John Geddes, Brian Geddes, Anne Bailey, and Karen Roberts, along with their families.
Born in Medicine Hat in 1932, Billie attended the University of Alberta, where she was a proud member of the first graduating class of physical education in 1954. A natural teacher, she forged a successful 33-year career in Edmonton's public school system, teaching in several junior and senior high schools before becoming an accomplished high school administrator. In 1967, she earned her MSc in physical education from the University of Washington in Seattle. Billie was an avid golfer, lifelong church choir member, talented gardener, and incorrigible community builder. A generous and loyal friend, Billie developed a second family of close-knit friends, with whom she shared her life in Edmonton, travelled the world, and eventually moved to Victoria in 1987. Retired, she redoubled her attention to golf, enjoying the company and competition of her golfing friends at Royal Colwood and Cedar Hill Golf Clubs, and spent many happy Februarys in Maui.
Billie will be missed by her many neighbours and fellow dog walkers who relished a good chat and hearty laugh along the way. The kindness she sowed was repaid a thousand times in the last few years, most especially by Charlene Kerr whose care and support were invaluable. Our thanks to the teams of nurses and doctors at BC Cancer, Island Community Health, and Victoria Hospice, who helped her to live as fully as possible with cancer.
A celebration of Billie's life will be held in Victoria at Cedar Hill Golf Course (1400 Derby Road) on November 22, 2024 at 2 pm. Funeral services will also be conducted for Billie in Calgary at Christ Church Anglican (3602 8th Street SW) on November 9, 2024 at 1:30 pm. Throughout her life, Billie was loyal supporter of many causes, from medical research to the arts. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choosing.