Dear Editor,

It is with full hearts that we write to tell you the death on 16 February, 2013 of our beloved founder, Dr Evelyn Livingston Billings AM, DCSG, MBBS (Melb), DCH (Lond) aged 95 after a short illness.

Dr Lyn, as we all knew her, together with her husband, Dr John Billings, founded the Method of natural fertility regulation which bears their name. Her studies on breastfeeding mothers and women approaching menopause made a major contribution to the work. For half a century they travelled the world teaching and promoting their method in faithfulness to Pope Paul VI’s call to “men (and women) of science (and) physicians (to) be obedient to the Lord’s call and to act as faithful interpreters of His plan.”

She was the author of the best selling non-fiction book The Billings Method, first published in 1980. This book was reprinted 16 times with 7 new or revised editions. The latest completely revised edition was published in 2011. Access to this book, published in 22 languages, made the Billings Method a household name and gave hope to millions of couples throughout the world.

Personal friend of three Popes, in 2003 Lyn was made a Dame Commander of St Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II and she was an active member of the Pontifical Academy for Life. She was recognised with Honorary Doctorates from universities around the world including an Honoris Causa Degree from Tor Vergata University in Rome in 2005. In 2002 Drs John and Evelyn Billings were jointly declared International Catholic Physicians of the Year by the International Catholic Federation of Medical Associations.

Couples in more than 100 countries bear testament to the wonderful work of this selfless woman and her husband. In China alone, where they trained thousands to teach their Method, a substantial drop in the abortion rate has been attributed to their work.

She is survived by 8 of her 9 children, 39 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. We thank God for her life and work and for the privilege and joy of having known her and we rejoice that she is now reunited with John to enjoy together their eternal reward.

Yours sincerely,

Carol McNeill,

Administrator,

NAOMI – Billings Ireland,

119 Patrick St,

(Entrance Drawbridge St)

Cork.