From Father Manny via a newsletter update:

It is with sadness that we share the news that St. Nicholas parishioner Billie Matkov passed away this afternoon. Fr. Manny anointed her today, and she was with her family when she was received into heaven.

Please keep Billie’s family and loved ones in prayer.

There will be a memorial service for Billie on Tuesday at Friendship Village in Schaumburg; details to follow once the arrangements are made.

This is literally the iconic picture of St Nicholas on the web at the moment: it shows the triumphant recessional party at the end of our “big media moment” when Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori visited in 2008.

It’s now our Facebook icon, but is shown here in its largest format in order to commemorate a beloved member of St Nicholas who entered into glory today.

Wilma “Billie” Matkov will always look joyfully into the future for us at St Nicholas; she is shown smiling into the camera just to the right of the crucifer and torchbearers.

We will remember Billie and her family in our hearts and prayers perpetually.