Obituary of Emilia Hedwick Tyerman

TYERMAN - Emilia (Billie) Hedwick Tyerman, nee Zurowski, born June 14, 1912 in Southey, SK to John R. and Theresa Zurowski, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at the age of 96 years (39 and holding!). Predeceased by her husband, David McIntyre Tyerman in 1999; her daughter, Linda Jane Tyerman in 1994; brothers, Karl Zurowski, Edwin Zurowski, Ferdinand Zurowski and Herman Zurowski. Billie is survived by her son Peter (Joanne) Tyerman and their daughters, Lisa (Brendan) Bailey, Gillian Tyerman, and great-granddaughter, Ella of Regina and by her daughter, Nancy (Louis) Tapper, and their sons, David and John of Saskatoon, and her granddaughter Jessica Sickinger (Jane's daughter) of Toronto; also her siblings Ray Zurowski of Toronto, Evelyn Mildren and Loreen Pipe, both of Detroit; as well as many nieces and nephews. Billie was born and raised on the farm. She was very proud of the fact that she received a scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan to study Pharmacy at the age of 16, graduating with Great Distinction in 1932. Upon graduation she went to work six and a half days a week at the Grey Nun's Hospital in Regina. She then left dispensing to become a manager of the drug department at Simpson's in Toronto and then moved to Halifax to work as a Buyer for Simpson's during the war. She had to leave Saskatchewan to meet a Saskatchewan boy. She married her husband, David, in July 1945. After the war they returned to Regina for Dave to "brush up on the law before their planned move to Victoria. They never did move on to Victoria, staying permanently in Regina to raise their family. Billie was a great support for Dave in making a happy home. It was her strength and energy that allowed him to focus on achieving success in the law practice and business. She was a great Mom who loved to feed everyone and entertain with her excellent cooking. She was always taking meals to the sick and inviting over lost souls to share a meal. She applied her energy and intellect to organize and teach the Traveling Arts Program at the Norman MacKenzie Art Gallery. This was her proudest achievement. She was active in the University Women's Club, holding many offices. She enjoyed the fellowship of many friends met through these enjoyable clubs. These activities gave another dimension to her life. Her work at the Gallery sparked an interest in painting which gave her many happy hours throughout her senior years. Billie loved playing bridge and spending the summers at the cottage at Katepwa. The family wishes to thank Dr. Stephen Bester and the Erimus/Solace Care Home and staff for their wonderful care of Billie. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina with Rev. David Eskdale officiating. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Autism Resource Centre, P.O. Box 4751, Regina, SK S4P 3Y4 or to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Inc., 301 - 2550 - 12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com