Evangeline “Billy” Burch passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026,  with her daughter’s by her side, leaving behind a life rich in love, family, and cherished memories.

Evangeline was born on July 8, 1936, in Menzie Siding, Manitoba, to Mary Anne and William Baziuk. She was the beloved baby sister to her brother, Nelson, who affectionately referred to her as “Sis.” Billy graduated from Foam Lake Composite High School in 1954.

At the age of 18, Billy bravely traveled by train to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she continued her education to become a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Essondale Hospital, living on campus during her training. She graduated as a Psychiatric RN on Sept 24, 1956 and went on to work at Essondale Hospital, which later became known as Riverview Hospital in 1965.

Billy married Glenn Burch, and together they had three children: Jerry, Linda, and Wanda. Sadly, their marriage ended, and Billy went on to raise her three young children—ages 2, 3, and 5—on her own. She did so with remarkable strength, determination, and love.

While working full-time, Billy spent her days off stacking the record player with music she loved and beginning her day cleaning the house, doing laundry, and baking bread for the family for the week—always accompanied by a fresh batch of homemade cinnamon buns. Music filled the house and created memories that would last a lifetime.

In the summer, Billy loved taking her three children camping on her days off or during vacation. The kids would load the tent trailer during the day, and when Billy arrived home from work, she would hitch it up and they were off on their next adventure. Some of her favourite destinations included Cultus Lake, Skaha Lake, and Elfros, Saskatchewan. Upon arriving at the provincial campground, Billy would assign the children tasks—setting up the tent trailer, collecting firewood, and fetching water—while she began preparing dinner.

Billy was a special kind of nurse. Many times, the children would come home from school to find a government vehicle parked in the driveway and patients from Riverview Hospital gathered around the dining room table. Billy believed deeply in compassion and dignity, often inviting patients into her home to give them a homelike experience, where she would treat them to coffee, donuts, and warm conversation.

In retirement, Billy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved to read and drink coffee, often warming a blanket in the dryer while brewing a fresh pot. With her latest novel, a warm blanket, and a cup of coffee in hand, she would sit outside and quietly enjoy the sunrise as a new day began.

Come May each year, Billy would load up her beloved motorhome—continuing this tradition until 2018, when she was 82 years young—and head out alone on her next adventure, stopping at her favourite destinations along the way to visit Mark and Linda in Elfros, Saskatchewan. Before leaving, she would call Wanda and say, “When are you serving Thanksgiving dinner? I’ll be home for Thanksgiving. Love you, see you soon,” and off she would go—embracing the open road and the freedom she so dearly loved.

Billy leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, strength, and adventure. She will be deeply missed by her three children: Jerry (Terri), Linda (Mark), and Wanda (Ed); her seven grandchildren; and her fourteen great-grandchildren.

Viewing Details

A viewing will be held at Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel (11969 216th Street, Maple Ridge, BC)

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

As per Billy’s request, please do not wear black.

A Celebration of Life will follow in the summer of 2026.