By Lana Meier, with files from IERHA
When Lillian Bilynsky started working in local health care in 1963, The Beatles were just breaking into North America, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, and President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. She was only 20 years old—but she was already beginning what would become one of the longest careers in the history of the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.
Lillian Bilynsky, sitting, celebrates her retirement with long-time colleague and “adopted daughter” Kelly Broek at the Whitemouth personal care home in November. Bilynsky, who began her career in 1963, retires after an extraordinary 62 years in local health care
Bilynsky has now retired after an extraordinary 62 years of helping patients, supporting families and serving her community, most recently at the Whitemouth District Health Centre. Her work was deeply intertwined with rural life: she was married to the local doctor, and together they navigated the complexities of rural health care in an era when staff simply stepped up to do whatever was needed. Bilynsky drove patients to the hospital, assisted in her husband’s practice, and regularly appeared at the door whenever help was required.
Her retirement was celebrated in November at the Whitemouth personal care home, where she still volunteers during her off-hours. Residents, co-workers, community members, family and friends gathered to honour a woman many describe as a steady, caring presence for generations.
The event was organized by her supervisor—and self-described “adopted daughter”—Kelly Broek, along with staff, family and friends. Broek reflected on the “glory days” the two shared, praising Bilynsky’s ability to adapt through decades of change, her unwavering dedication, and the warmth she shows to everyone who walks through the door. The room filled with songs, balloons, cake and plenty of tears.
Bilynsky was grateful for the celebration and shared heartfelt remarks with attendees.
“It was an honour to give 62 years to the best place ever to work,” she said. “If in need of a personal care home bed, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here.”
Even in retirement, she has no plans to slow down. Bilynsky intends to volunteer even more hours at the personal care home, spend time with her family, and keep cheering on the Jets, the Bombers and the Goldeyes.
Colleagues say her legacy is immense. For more than six decades, Bilynsky has been an anchor—an outstanding team member, a generous mentor and a model of dedication and reliability. She leaves behind a community deeply grateful for her service, and she will be profoundly missed by all who had the fortune to work alongside her.
