KOWALCHUK, Lynette Elaine (nee Billard)– Passed peacefully away at home in Denare Beach on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, with her devoted husband, Joe Kowalchuk, by her side. Many will miss Lynette’s passion for life, family and laughter. Remembering her with love are her daughter, Rebecca Stratychuk (Robbie Matthews), and her cherished grandchildren, Ashlea and Chaz. As Lynette reunites in heaven with her father, George Billard, her infant daughter , Usha-Lynn Pike, and her grandparents George and Grace Cooke, and Fred and Gladys Billard, she leaves to mourn: her mother, Myra Billard of St. John’s; brothers David (Josephine) Billard of St. John’s, and Darryl (Judy Pischke) Billard of Winnipeg; nephews Stephen and Adam Billard of St. John’s; step-son, Drew Kowalchuk of New Westminster, BC, and a large circle of family and friends whose kitchen tables still ring with her infectious laughter. We will ache for her warm hugs and how special she always made us feel. Lynette was born in Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland on April 26, 1959. Her energy and enthusiasm allowed her to accomplish much during her bright life. She graduated from Memorial University with the Governor General’s Academic Medal and went on to complete a MBA at the University of Manitoba. Throughout her career she was a social worker, National Chair of Daycare Advocacy and a candidate in the 1989 Newfoundland election. Most recently, she brought her gusto to the Flin Flon General Hospital as a site administrator. Dadson Funeral Home made the arrangements and a funeral was held on December 18 at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church. Donations can be made to the Lung Association.Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Flin Flon General Hospital, especially the chemotherapy department for the support and respect they showed Lynette. Lynette, you can finally let the burden of cancer go, and rise up to join the angels.