Elizabeth Bilash

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Elizabeth Bilash, on July 8, 2026, at the Gilbert Plains Personal Care Home. Elizabeth’s 100th birthday would have been celebrated on October 4, 2026.

Elizabeth was born in Garland, Manitoba, to Dora and Josef Weirbicki. At the age of 5, Elizabeth experienced the tragic loss of her father. From that age on, she and her younger brother Edward (“Eddy”) worked alongside their mother and grandmother to keep the farm going.

Elizabeth and Eddy shared a love of music. Elizabeth played the accordion and Eddy played the fiddle. Together with other musicians, they formed a band and brought joy to weddings and community dances in the area.

After completing her final year of high school in Dauphin, Elizabeth obtained her provisional teaching certificate and taught in rural school districts during the Second World War. Elizabeth later lived in Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg before returning to Dauphin, where she married her beloved husband, Peter. They were married in 1959 and shared many happy years together.

Music remained one of Elizabeth’s life-long passions. Blessed with a beautiful alto voice, she sang in her church choir for several decades and was a member of the Ukrainian Festival Choir. For several years, Elizabeth was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League and served as a volunteer with the Dauphin Hospital Auxiliary. Elizabeth also supported Peter in his many volunteer activities for the Ukrainian Festival and the development of the Ukrainian Memorial Park at Selo in Dauphin.

She cared deeply for her family and her home. Her passion was baking bread; she was especially known for her delicious apple pies and chocolate cake. Her abundant garden supplied an equally abundant freezer.

Fluent in Ukrainian, Elizabeth corresponded with relatives in Ukraine for many years.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband Peter, her brother Edward and his wife, Virginia; and her brother-in-law, William. She will be remembered lovingly by her children, Beverly (Patrick) and Rosalene (Thomas); her cherished grandchildren, Brenna, Matthew, Samuel and Aidan; her in-laws Mary and William Zaporzan and Terry and May Bilash as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends.

Elizabeth leaves a legacy of love, grace, kindness, warmth, generous hospitality, joyful laughter, and a timeless sense of style and beauty. Her strength and devotion to her family and friends touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sneath Strilchuk Funeral Chapel, followed by interment at Riverside Cemetery in Dauphin. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Elizabeth's name to a Charity of One's choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Bilash, please visit our floral store.