Billie Carol Grimsrud

Billie Carol Grimsrud, 55, of Duluth, passed away in her home on April 15, 2023 after spending the day with her family and surrounded by the staff, who provided care while in hospice at home throughout the past week.

Billie was born on June 12, 1967, in Rochester. She lived in a home, through Duluth Regional Care Center, for 30-plus years, having been born with Fragile X Syndrome. She lived with the same three women for most of her life, one of whom is her younger sister Kellie. The name of the house is Galere, which means “a group of people living together, with common characteristics.” Although this is true in terms of a diagnosis in cognitive disability, nothing could be further from the truth in personality. Billie was the “unofficial boss” of her home. She simply had a very powerful presence and there’s not one person who had the pleasure of meeting her who would disagree!

Billie loved being outside in the sunshine, Diet Coke, coffee, and going for car rides all over her community. Before her retirement, she worked with a job coach, through CHOICE, unlimited, in a local business. They said many times over how much they liked having Billie in their establishment and always had Diet Coke waiting, before and after her shift.

Billie is preceded in death by her mother, Carol Yeager. Carol was very involved in her daughters’ lives and proved time and time again that she would go to any measure in an attempt to help Billie and Kellie live lives that were fulfilling and happy. 

Billie is survived by her father, David (Debbie) Grimsrud; brother, Peter (Jennifer) Grimsrud; sister, Kellie; step-father, James Yeager; half-siblings, Matt Grimsrud, Andy (Selam) Grimsrud, Erin (Travis) Paulson, and Holly Grimsrud; and several nieces and nephews.

She had many special people in her life who became “chosen family.” Many direct support professionals, who began their journey with DRCC and Billie, often stayed because of their love and adoration for “The Ladies,” as they are affectionately called. 

A special thanks to Marsha, the direct support professionals, DRCC, along with Essentia Health Hospice for making Billie comfortable and so well cared for during her final days. You all have made a difference in her life!

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