In loving memory of our wife, mother and sister, Carol Ann Margaret Billedo, who passed away on July 18, 2022. Carol Ann was the devoted wife of Gerald James Billedo (Jerry) and loving mother of Christine Billedo Fagerquist (Andrew Fagerquist, Hunter, Holden and Harrison), David Billedo (Stacey Zipp Billedo, Ryan, and Reed), Donald Billedo (Amy Reiser Billedo, Megann, Chase, Brody and Sophie), Carrie Billedo Steinle (Kevin Steinle, Clayton and Curtis) and Darren Billedo (Pamela Dornhorst Billedo, Reese and Brooke).  Carol Ann was the sister of George Paul Darner (Elaine Darner '19) and James Francis Darner (Jeanne Darner).  She will be deeply missed by her Aunt Margaret Conners, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Carol Ann was born in St. Louis, Missouri to George Airis Darner and Camilla Perrot Darner on September 3, 1942.  She joined older brother George, and their family of five was completed with the birth of younger brother Jim. Sandwiched in between the two boys, she was lovingly called "Joe".  Later, her sisters-in-law became the sisters she never had.

Carol Ann met the love of her life Jerry in 1955 at Tower Grove Park, while he was coaching a boys soccer team with his buddy.  She later graduated from St. John's High School in 1960 and the two love birds were married January 9, 1963.  They started their family in St. Louis, Missouri, where they brought five beautiful children into the world (Christine '63, David '67, Donald '69, Carrie '73 and Darren '77).  In 1979 they began their Texas adventures for the next 9 years. From 1988 to 1991, Carol Ann, Jerry, Carrie and Darren moved to London England, where she left half of her heart in Texas leaving Christine, David and Don to continue working or pursuing their higher education.  They returned to the Klein area in 1991, where she remained until her passing. Carol Ann embraced her religion and kept her vows of the Catholic Faith.  She prayed the Rosary daily with Carly (their Beagle) at her side.  Carol Ann loved her family time via Zoom where she and her family recited the Rosary together on Thursday evenings.  She would pray to the Saints and pray her Novenas to make special petitions on behalf of her kids and grandkids.

Carol Ann loved crafting. Back in the day she and her friends would see a home decoration and say, "We can make that!"  There is still a dresser in her closet filled with ribbons, bells, and other notions.  Her hobbies included bowling in St. Louis with friends and family, painting with her Aunt Margaret Perrot Benisch, crocheting on Woodbark and cross-stitching in England.  She also loved anything involving music.  She would sing and rock along with the tunes and always had a radio playing.  Carol Ann had a group of amazing friends for over 50 years. They enjoyed numerous celebrations and supported each other during tribulations, their love for each other being forever steadfast all the way to her final day.

Carol Ann's life was her family.  She lovingly raised her five children with her husband and later spoiled her 13 grandkids.  Her true calling came when she became a Grammy.  She was ALWAYS the biggest, fiercest, Mamma Bear / Grammy Bear anyone could ask for… Ask those who got in the way.  Her favorite time of year was Christmas, where she famously started preparing her "Grammy Jammies" in July.  She also actively participated in all of their artistic endeavors, ranging from drumline and marching band, riding horses and ranch work, to plays and piano concerts. Lest we not forget all of the sporting events her grandkids played, football, baseball/softball, swimming, soccer, basketball and track and field.  She would research them all (livestreaming when she had to), enabling her to cheer them on, and have conversations with her grandchildren about their activities.

Carol Ann succumbed during her second aneurysm surgery which had been delayed for three years while she battled and overcame other health issues, such as defeating breast cancer, an abdominal bleed, a stroke, shingles and an infection (all the while avoiding Covid).   All of these earthly health struggles are now behind her and she is living her best life in Heaven, where Jesus Christ and her loved ones were eagerly waiting to welcome her home.

God Bless this Family!

Memorial donations can be made in Carol Ann Billedo's name to the St. Jude's Research Hospital or the American Diabetes Association .