Billie Purnell

Wilma Ann Purnell aka Billie, Billie Ann, Miss Billie, Gran Billie of Mequon, WI, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Thursday April 16, 2015 at the age of 83. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years; Lloyd K Purnell, parents; William and Ann Phelan, siblings; Claire Phelan and Kilian Phelan. Survived by sister; Mary Inez Meyers, children; Lloyd K. "Skeeter" (Phebe) Purnell Jr, Michael L (Cindi) Purnell and Michele Purnell, granddaughters; Phelan, Dakota and Payton, brother-in-law John (Barbara) Purnell, and sister-in-law Mary Ellen Rienks and family. Also survived by many other cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members; Dawna (Alvarez) McMilan family,Tracy Karrels family, Tim Purnell family, Matt and Mark Meyers families, Dave Schneider family, Sean Phelan family, Ed Shields, Anne Greenheck, and Maureen Kramer. At age 18 Billie moved to Madison from her family home in Plain, WI, where she met Lloyd, the love of her life. In 1965 they moved to Mequon and raised their family. Together they started and operated 2 very successful family businesses, where she continued to work until the day of her passing. Billie and Lloyd for many years were also very active members of the Port Washington Yacht Club, where they docked their beloved boat the "BILLIE ANN ". Throughout her life she was an insatiable reader, often going thru 1 or 2 books a day. In her later years was a very proud and active grandmother who also made time to travel and see the world. Always reluctant to burden those around her with any of her troubles, many were never aware that from about mid-life on, Billie fought a tough ongoing battle with the constant and often intense pain of trigeminal neuralgia. Memorial Service 12:30 PM on Friday April 24, 2015 at the Schramka Funeral Home, W164 N9034 Water St, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. The family will greet relative and friends on Friday at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until the time of service and at a reception to follow at the Village Bowl, N86 W18330 Main St, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. In lieu of flowers donations to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson research www.michaeljfox.org , appreciated.