July 3, 1933 – August 16, 2023
The wool lies balled, the quilts folded, the sewing machine idle, all left without a skilled hand, not to be picked up again as Colette Florabelle Bilton (nee Forest) has completed her last row. On August 16th, Colette laid down her crafting tools and is reunited with her beloved husband John Shield Bilton. Her time has come to an end and rest is the reward. The work was not left unfinished as everything was completed, in a life well lived.
Colette and John were blessed with seven children: Lucienne Johnson (John), Ronald Bilton (Judy), late Larry Bilton (Marcelle), Donna Lediett (late David), Ann Thomas (John), Joyce Maitland (Terry) and Linda Makela (Ray). Grandmother of 17, she was predeceased by 3 grandchildren, Katie and Robbie Dunbar and Celeste Bilton, survived by Lori Howson (Dave), Kayla Fairbrother (Matt), Kimberly Bilton, Ryan Bilton (Ashleigh), Stacie Bilton (Peter Cundall), Johnny Lediett (Mandy), Christie Hagger (Ryan), Cathy Falls (Darren), Jo Ann Lichty (James), Keir Thomas (Tammy Field), Amy Maitland, Lisa Charles (Martin), Sara Maitland (Matt Mottonen), Matthew Makela, Victoria Makela. Great grandmother of 23, Joshua & Ava Howson, Lauren, Anthony & Henry Fairbrother, Xavier Bilton-Valiquette, Riley, Liam & Olivia Bilton, Elyse & Lucas Cundall, Ryan Lediett, Abby & Jake Hagger, Benjamin & Samuel Falls, Amelia & Claire Lichty, Alexis, Jordan & Keir Thomas, Peighton & Roman Charles. Predeceased by her parents and 7 siblings. Survived by many nieces and nephews.
Colette was an almanac of wisdom with tricks that provided a quick resolution to most problems. Home remedies and solutions ranged from removing gum from hair, stopping fabric from balling in a dryer to how to stop a nosebleed. Colette enjoyed her hobbies. Gardening was always a pleasure. She loved music whether playing the piano at home, or over many years as the organist for Paroisse Ste Famille (Holy Family Church). There were always home renovations to be done. She was never shy of a challenge, climbing ladders and scaffolding to give guidance or direction, to critique or praise. She loved to travel and was up for an adventure wherever her children were travelling. Above all, her greatest rewards came when crafting with her children. An expert at sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and many other crafts she was always ready to share her knowledge and skills with those who wanted to learn. While always ready to praise the work completed, she was never shy to unravel rows of knitting or pick apart sewing when a flaw was found. “There, start again,” she would say, with a gratified smile placing the piece of work down and stepping away. The gatherings over lunch, large family Christmas dinners, spontaneous weekend potluck BBQ, and time with family will never be the same. With love, we will toast with Tequila Rose and a tear.
The family wishes to thank the staff at NSHN-Blind River and Golden Birches Terrace, especially Jennifer Woods, Karianne Fontaine, Jessica Mills, Lisa Mallette and Sarah Ball for their love and compassion.
If desired, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca and are appreciated by the family.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Menard Funeral Home, 72 Lakeside Avenue, Blind River between 11am and 1pm on Friday, September 1, 2023, with funeral mass following at St. James the Greater Parish beginning at 1pm. Interment at Hillside Cemetery. Father Clarence officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Menard Funeral Home.