Rose Bilinski (nee Zeleznik)

June 8, 1930 - November 21, 2018
The family of Rose Bilinski (Zeleznik) sadly announces her passing at the age of 88 in the Kelowna General Hospital on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.
Rose was born on June 8, 1930 in Bentley, Alberta to Michael and Katerina Misutka. Her brother Victor was born in 1929 and her younger brother George in 1942. She so loved growing up on the Prairies. In 1944 the family moved to Fauquier, BC for 1 year before moving to Salmon Arm, BC where George Blackburn,Rose's foster brother, came to live with them. Rose married Joe Zeleznik on September 1, 1947 in Nakusp, BC and they resided on the Brouse Loop on their family farm. Rose and Joe had 4 children: Phyllis, Flori, Tom and James. In 1950, her cousin Steve Misutka came from Slovakia to live with them. Rose worked very hard to support her family, was involved in the Catholic Church CWL and enjoyed playing baseball. Joe was killed in an accident on July 10, 1967 leaving Rose to raise their 4 children alone at the age of 37. On October 16, 1971, Rose married Mike Bilinski and resided in his home in Fauquier, BC with her two sons and his five children. Rose and Mike both led busy working lives, and Rose also helped out at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. They enjoyed fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, mushroom picking and camping. Rose organized many family reunions and she so loved her gardens. We all remember what an awesome cook she was - especially "grandma's buns." Rose and Mike travelled to Slovakia and the Ukraine, Alaska and Mexico. They moved to the Ironwood complex in Vernon, BC in 2006 and enjoyed playing cards, the casino and attending the Catholic Church in Coldstream. Mike passed away May 30, 2015. In February 2016, Rose moved to the Heritage Retirement Residence in West Kelowna. Shortly afterwards, she developed significant heart issues but continued to play crib, go on outings and so loved to have her family around her.
She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Katerina Misutka; her husbands, Joe Zeleznik and Mike Bilinski; brother Victor Misutka; cousin Steve Misutka; stepdaughter Karen Watson; and her step- grandson Michael Bilinski. Rose is survived by her brothers George Misutka (Jean) and George Blackburn (Ellen); sister-in-law Joan Misutka; cousin-in-law Marilyn Misutka; sister-in-law Leona Bilinski; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins in Slovakia. She will be deeply missed by her four children: Phyllis (Barry) Anderson, Flori (Robin) Valentine, Tom (Patti) Zeleznik and James (Sandy) Zeleznik; stepchildren: Dave (Lorraine) Bilinski, Gordon (Jasmine) Bilinski, Steve Bilinski, Russell (Kathy) Bilinski, and Dick Watson; 29 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.
A Catholic Funeral Mass was held at 10 am on Monday, November 26, 2018 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in West Kelowna. A private family interment was held at the Nakusp Catholic Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday, June 8, 2019, in Nakusp. Please join us on Saturday, June 8th, 2019 Nakusp Senior Centre 1 - 3 pm. Luncheon will be served.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Rose may do so to a charity of personal choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/bilinski-rose/.
 Springfield Funeral Home