Lillian Betty Kisilevich

Kisilevich, Lillian Betty

It is with deep sadness that the family wishes to announce the passing of Lillian Betty Kisilevich (nee Nahorniak) on April 1, 2026.

Betty, as she was known from an early age, was born on June 18, 1940, in Edmonton, Alberta. Her parents were Nicolas and Helen (nee Shkurhan) Nahorniak, and she was the youngest of six children.

Betty was predeceased by her parents and her five siblings (Evangeline McBryan, Jerry Nahorniak, Boris Nahornick, Mike Nahorniak, and Elsie Pengelly). She is survived by her husband Orest and her two sons and their families: Brent (Teresa, Ali, Jace, and Jordyn) Kisilevich, and Brian (Susan, Jenna, and Adam) Kisilevich.

Betty married Orest Kisilevich in September 1964. They lived together in the home they purchased as newlyweds until June 2024, when her advancing care needs necessitated a move to Shepard’s Care Vanguard. The family is thankful for the care and grace shown to Betty in her time there by the medical and support staff.

While dementia overtook her mind and body, Betty’s spirit of kindness, joy, and generosity remained. She would often carry her candy bowl around the care home and share her treats with the other residents and staff.

Betty never stepped outside the house without looking her best. She had an innate sense of style, and favoured high-topped turtlenecks, slacks, and heels. She was always recognized by her striking dark hair, elegant red lipstick, and inviting smile.

Betty and Orest’s home was often filled with laughter and served as a gathering place for their large extended families and extensive network of friends. She was known affectionately as Mom to her two sons and daughters-in-law; as Baba to her five grandchildren; and as Aunty Betty to her many nieces and nephews.

Most importantly, the central relationship in Betty’s life was with her husband of nearly 62 years, Orest (or Ory, as she often called him). They walked together through the trials and joys of their lives—holding one another up through the difficult times—and cheering each other on through their successes.

They loved being parents and later approached their roles as grandparents with a sense of love and playfulness.

Dance was a central theme throughout Betty’s life. She studied ballet and Ukrainian folk dance as a child and teen, eventually teaching at the Banff Centre of the Arts. Her career was spent inspiring and mentoring dancers and the next generations of artistic directors of Canadian Ukrainian dance. From 1960 to 1963, she was part of the first wave of Western Canadians to travel to Ukraine to study dance and culture.

From 1964 to 1988, Betty served as the artistic director and choreographer of the Trembita Dance Ensemble, and head instructor of Association of United Ukrainian Canadians dance school. She collaborated with the dance community in Canada to coordinate national Ukrainian dance festivals and introduce ballet into the cultural art form.

Betty served as a mentor to many, often sought out for her expertise, which she would humbly share with others. As a performer, she lit up the stage with her radiant, ever-present smile, and she inspired others to find their own passions through the arts.

Betty worked part-time for the Edmonton Civic Employees Credit Union for more than twenty years. In her retirement, she volunteered helping handicapped children with the Edmonton Exhibition Association and gave daytime tours to school kids at Edmonton City Hall. Eventually, she agreed to work part-time as hostess for civic evening events until 2017.

As many people shared upon hearing of her passing: “Betty was an inspiration to me, she was an amazing person.”

She will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know, meet and work with her.

As per her wishes, the family will not be holding a public service. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta.