Lamira Jane ‘Minnie’ Billings, 1863-1944

Third Generation

The youngest child and only surviving daughter of Charles and Maria Billings, Minnie worked hard on the farm until she was 35 years old, a job she loved. She was a religious woman who served as the Corresponding Secretary for the Anglican Diocese, although Minnie later became a Methodist. She maintained an active social life in Billings Bridge and Ottawa, and she cultivated skills in oil painting and music.

Minnie had many suitors and broke off several engagements. In February 1898, she started corresponding with Judge George Wellington Greene—widower of her cousin Ina Billings—who was practicing law and banking in Red Deer, Alberta. He proposed to her via letters: the couple married in November that same year.

Minnie and George had two children: Douglas, who died in infancy, and Lilias.

George also had three children from his previous marriage.

The Greene family moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta, after George became a District Court Judge. The job brought them wealth and status and Minnie became a busy socialite who traveled often and kept in touch with her family back east. She was involved in many women’s organizations:

• President of the Church Aid
• Regent of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire
• Treasurer of the Lord’s Day Alliance
• Member / Director of the Natural History Society
• Member of the Women’s Institute

Minnie Billings Greene passed away in 1944.

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