Mary "Billie" Ann Willette

Billie was born on November 9, 1929 to Peter Kohl and Katherine Traynor Kohl in Pierce County, Wisconsin. In her early years, her family moved often due to the shortages of World War II including lack of sufficient housing and employment. These experiences shaped Billie and instilled in her perseverance and flexibility along with honing her leadership skills.

Billie was the Valedictorian of her high school class. She attended Eau Claire State College, was a member of the college choir and the Newman Catholic Club for students. Here she met her husband, Les Willette, and upon graduation, they married in 1950. 8 years and 4 children later, they moved to Tampa Florida with a relocation of Les's career in Insurance. And they added another son to the family. As Les’s career flourished, Billie became ensconced in Tampa's business and social community. For many years, she was a realtor for the Tampa Bay community.

Billie was a devout Catholic. Her life and her love was rooted in her faith. Her family has been a member of Christ the King Catholic Church since they moved to Florida. She was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of Ladies Circle 12, and Chairman of the Bereavement Committee. All her children graduated from CTK elementary school. Billie was an active volunteer in her community. She joined the Meals on Wheels program and the Tampa Junior Woman's Club. She served on several projects for Christ the King School.

Billie's interests were intellectual and she was an avid reader. She loved music. She enjoyed playing cards with the family, but her passion was Bridge Card Games. She enjoyed social Bridge games with her friends at her monthly Ladies Luncheons. But she preferred to play more challenging games of Duplicate Bridge to earn Masterpoints, awarded by Bridge organizations for success in competitive Bridge tournaments. Billie had a veracious appetite for travel and chasing new experiences. So many wonderful memories made….a lifetime’s worth.

Billie lived a long and inspirational life. She was blessed, as were we with her presence. Everybody loved Billie. She was at the center of our universe, offering advice in her nurturing manner. She was the ultimate role model in how to conduct one’s self and treat others with dignity and love. She was a beautiful soul and will be missed by all.

Billie was predeceased by her husband Les Willette; son Tim Willette; parents Katherine Traynor Kohl and Peter Kohl; sister Susan Kohl; sister-in-law Irene Willette; and niece Victoria Hughes.

Billie is survived by her children; sons, Dan Willette (Yvette), Mike Willette (Melanie), John Willette; and daughter Joan Willette DuChene; beloved granddaughters, Jacqueline DuChene Heyward (Joseph), Jessica DuChene, Erin Cushing (Jay), Kelsey Gilmore (Brett); and grandson Brian Willette (Michelle); great-grandchildren, Owen Cushing, Jacob Willette, Colin Gilmore and Alice Gilmore; niece and nephew Jenny and Chris Hughes (Sherri); great-nieces Tori Hughes and Holly Rose Hughes.

A Visitation for Billie will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Blount and Curry Life Event Center, 605 S. Macdill Ave., Tampa Fl. 33609

A Funeral Mass will be held November 9, 2023 (Mimi’s 94th Birthday) at 10:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa Florida with Interment to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery 4202 E. Lake Ave. Tampa, Florida.