Anne Drapack, (nee Bilous), born in Winnipeg Manitoba, passed away peacefully in her home and on her own terms, after a courageous two year battle with cancer.
She is predeceased by her husband Jack, mother and father Anastasia and Nicholas Bilous and her brother Gerry Bilous. Survived by son John (Alix), daughter Kim (Lee) McIvor, daughter Maeve (Hideki) Kanoh, grandchildren Rebecca (Jonathan) Archambault, Mary (Brett Cunday), Kimberley (Ram Soyao), Scott, Madison, Ivan, Nicholas and two great-grandchildren Jack and Elizabeth Cunday.
Growing up in the Ukrainian community in the north end of Winnipeg with immigrant parents, Anne learned very early how to be strong and fiercely independent. She met her future husband Jack while in high school, and later while attending university, made sure that he actually attended his classes, rather than driving past the U of M gates to North Dakota for ‘adventure days’. Anne received her degree in Pharmacy in the spring of 1962.
Jack and Anne married in October of 1962 and had 3 children; John (1965), Kim (1967), and Maeve (1972). They chose to happily live 38 years of their lives in Thompson, always proudly calling Thompson their “home”. Here Anne found a balance working as a pharmacist, while being a remarkable mother and role model to her three children.
In Thompson, Anne opened “Anne’s Pharmacy”. She was the first woman to open her own pharmacy in Manitoba to which mom said was “no big deal” to an interest that once requested to do a story on her achievement. While living in Thompson, Anne and Jack enjoyed spending their weekends at Setting Lake. These were some of the most enjoyable times for both of them. There were many pontoon boat adventures on the water, cocktails on the porch, and spirited nightly bonfires with the Thackerays and McIvors. Anne loved to lounge on the deck with a good book, tootle around in her paddle boat and share a good glass of wine and Sambuca with Penny around the fire in their rubber boots and parkas.
Anne and Jack were avid travelers throughout their working and retirement years. After retirement, they moved to their “‘heavens on earth”, Victoria, BC and McAllen, Texas and they made many wonderful friendships with new neighbours and golf course members. Following Jack’s example in 2014, Anne achieved her first hole-in-one in 2019 after his death. No doubt they are competing for the next hole-in-one on the course in the sky. With Jack, Anne enjoyed many trips to Texas, destinations around the world and more recently to visit their growing family in Oakville, Kelowna, and Japan. Anne also loved her time in Hawaii with Maeve.
The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate home care support Anne received from Dr. Rideout, Vancouver Island Health Palliative Care staff, Eileen & Dani Greene, Flo Vila, Corinna Dickens, Fay Machielse, Michelle Pollard, Santa Mbrussow, Dianne Perry, Joan Wahl, the Pharmasave pharmacy staff and Father Yuri. Anne was able to pass away gracefully in her own home with loved ones by her side.
Anne’s funeral will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022. Mass will be held at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1112 Caledonia Ave in Victoria, BC. Interment with immediate family following mass at Royal Oak Burial Park, with everyone invited at 1:00 pm for a small gathering nearby in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
20 Responses
Mom was an unforgettable lady who graced us with her faith and perseverance and fierce loyalty. We are living the life that she would want us to live and think of her everyday. The parish at which she attended in Honolulu will say a blessing in her honor for it was her place of prayer when she visited us here in Hawaii. Jan. 2026
I enjoyed golfing at the Gorge Vale Golf course with Anne and her husband. I was actually with her when she had her hole in one on number 10. RIP Anne, I will miss your smile.
Anne was a wonderful person and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts are with John, Kim, Maeve and their families. The memory of Jack and Anne and the knowledge of how many friends they have touched in their lives will hopefully be a comfort.
Malcolm and Theresa
I have many happy memories over the years, spending time with Anne and Jack in Thompson, Winnipeg and McAllen. My condolences to John, Kim and Maeve. My thoughts are with you.
Our most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother. She was such a strong and vibrant woman. We often saw her while on her run down Westwood Drive; a role model to all! May your memories be your comfort, she will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincere condolences to all the family on Anne’s passing. We met Anne and Jack in 1991 (through my Aunt Fernande and Uncle Neil), and after they moved to Victoria we enjoyed many get-togethers with them. I echo the numerous sentiments of how wonderful a person Anne was; she’ll be greatly missed.
Gisele, Larry and Alison McMillan
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kim, John, Maeve and your families. Anne was such a great person, smart, kind, funny, a great friend and obviously a much loved Mother. We remember her from her first days in Thompson and also from our visits with her and Jack in Victoria and much in between.
Much love to you all, Carol & Florian Soble
My deepest condolences to John, Kim, Maeve and their families. I worked for Anne in 1982-83 just after she broke her leg skiing.
It was the start of a very long friendship. Anne was like a second mother to me during my time in Thompson. I remember Anne and Jack fondly from that time. We had kept in touch via yearly Christmas cards, and am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Pat (Tang) Kovalik
Kim, John & Maeve – sending love & strength. Your Mom was a beautiful, intelligent, kind woman who left a wonderful legacy behind in you and your families. May you cherish the happy memories. Jack & Anne are having a Fat Tug, playing a round and looking over you all from heaven.
Love to you all,
Alisa & Keith
Our condolences to everyone in the family. Anne sounds like an incredible lady!
Her light will live on with her family and friends.