Billie Christine THOMAS

PHILADELPHIA -- Billie Durand, formerly of Trenton and Lambertville, passed away on Sept. 27, at the Fountains in Philadelphia.Born Billie Christine Thomas in Sedalia, MO in 1923; she was, for many years, a familiar voice on the airwaves from WTTM Radio in Trenton.Billie married the late radio personality Tom Durand after they met entertaining troops in Oklahoma during World War II.They returned to Trenton to raise a family and continue their theatrical pursuits.With Tom, Billie made many guest appearnces on WTTM. As a commentator for arts and entertainment, she interviewed many high-profile stars who appeared locally.Billie performed with many area theater groups. She also worked as a lecturer/guide at the New Jersey State Museum.She was preceded in passing by her husband, G. Thompson Durand Jr. She leaves her two daughters and one son-in-law, Suzanne D. and John Gamble of Greencastle, PA and Robin J. Durand of Philadelphia; one grandson, Ziggy Durand Gamble of Greencastle, PA; a sister-in-law, Polly Deihl of Lancaster, PA; cousin, Jerry Lawrence of Wichita, KS.A celebration of Billie's life will be held 1 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing, 268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville.Friends are asked to bring one item of chocolate.Contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.Published in The Times, Trenton, on 10/8/2005.