Obituary of Frances Audrey Bilyea

Passed peacefully in Dorchester, ON, on February 10th, 2024 at the age of 74. Frances Audrey Bilyea (nee Murray) was born October 13th 1949 in Westville, NS to her parents Frank Murray and Audrey Murray (nee Worthylake). Faye loved being surrounded by her family especially the Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. She had 3 siblings join the family: Beverly, Richard and Frank while in Westville. When Faye was 7 years old her Mother packed up the 4 kids and 4 suitcases and boarded the train to join her father in Windsor, ON. They all settled on Ellrose Ave. where 4 more siblings completed the family: Marilyn, Elizabeth, Michael and John. Faye lovingly joked they were the spoiled ones because life was easier for the younger children. Faye was a wonderful and caring big sister and always kept tabs on all of her siblings. Faye’s independent spirit led her to venture out on her own. She began her adventure with a Greyhound bus ticket to Hamilton where she served at a diner. One day a friend came in and asked her to travel up North with her and Faye jumped at the opportunity. Faye met her first husband there, which was like a faulty firecracker that fizzled out quickly. She met her soulmate, Ron Bilyea. He made her feel young and free with their new life of music, clubs, friends and the party scene. When they were ready to settle down with Ron’s sons, Joe and David, they chose a beautiful farm in Belmont, ON. Faye, as she was lovingly known by her family, had become Fran Bilyea to her new friends and family. She relished in her life. She was very proud of the Bilyea Harness business that her and Ron had grown together. She created unique handcrafted horse harnesses, that adorned the horses racing down the track or at the horse shows throughout Ontario. To say Fran was an animal lover is an understatement, they were all her little children. She built a beautiful farm with horses, llamas, goats, miniature horses, cats and dogs. She competed in the very first Miniature Horse Show in Ontario and proudly came home as a winner with Her Miniature Horse Cadillac Ranch Casper as the #1 colt in futility. Fran’s compassion was reflected through her dedication to the many churches, organizations, clubs, neighbours and friends. She always had a willing hand to help, you’d most likely find her cooking in the kitchen! You would know it was her from the giggling and laughter echoing through the halls. Fran felt a real calling to the Legion due to her many family members who proudly served our country. She spent many years dedicating her time in various positions including The Head of the Ladies Auxiliary and a position on the District Legion. She was a true Golden Soul. She made everyone in her life feel so special. She had a beautiful bouquet of friends that enjoyed the ray of sunshine that she was. She had a wonderful sense of humour, and a deep caring for everyone around her. You were always greeted with a hello and a wave, if she felt you had gone over and above, she would slip you a bright red Tim Hortons Card. Fran is predeceased by her husband Ron Bilyea, her parents Frank Murray and Audrey Murray (Worthylake); her brother Michael Murray, bothers-in-law Richard Carter and Fred Fralic; and nephew Brian Fralic. She is survived by her stepsons Joe Bilyea and David Bilyea and their children; her siblings Beverly Carter (nee Murray), Rick Murray (Jennifer), Frank Murray, Marilyn Frelic (nee Murray), Elizabeth Murray, John Murray (Mandy); sister-in-law Kathey; loving nieces and nephews: Richelle, Colinda, Josie, Maxine, Janine, Joshua, Carrie, Brent, Natalie, Vivien, Kyle, Jacob and Beckett; as well as many great nieces and nephews. Memorial Service to be announced in the Spring 2024. Memorial donations gratefully appreciated to the Royal Canadian Legion - Dorchester Donnybrook Branch 513. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Fran's Tribute Wall at www.mpcemetery.ca