Obituary of Billie Aul

Albany, NY- Billie Aul, aged 62, died at home on February 1 after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was born Feb. 18, 1953, Pittsburgh, PA and grew up in Westchester County, NY. Billie was brilliant, analytic, creative and kind, bringing together friends from diverse circles of life to intersect by sharing her interests and theirs. She received a BA in English and computer science and a Master of Library Science both from the University at Albany, SUNY. After brief stints as a librarian at SUNY Geneseo and as a computer programmer at the State Department of Equalization & Assessment, Billie spent most of her professional career at the State Education Department. As a senior computer programmer, Billie played a major role in developing the State Library’s first online catalog. As a senior librarian, Billie was distinguished by her multiple areas of expertise, including the curation of special collections, particularly in the area of popular culture and zines, as well as in cataloging. She retired from State service in 2010. Billie enjoyed an amazing array of interests and hobbies. She was a published science fiction and fantasy writer and a scholar of popular culture, with research on gender roles and sexual orientation in SF and fantasy. She was a member of The Alternate Universe and contributed further to the SF/fantasy world as program co-chair for several local conventions, and served on the program committee for several worldcons. Billie’s creativity also emerged as a collector of items that she turned into art and jewelry, and as a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild. Over the decades, Billie worked with various peace and social justice organizations, including the movement for LGBTQ rights as long-time supporter of Capital Region Pride Center. Her activism found expression in music as a long-time DJ/announcer for WRPI’s Mostly Folk radio program. Billie is survived by her husband of 26 years, Timothy L. Smith, her sister Beverly Wicher (Chris) of Cheektowaga, NY, three nephews, and two grand-nephews. Also, her brother-in-law Peter G. Smith and his two daughters and son, as well as many dear friends. Her family and friends are grateful to Albany Community Hospice and New York Oncology Hematology for their care and support. For those who wish to honor Billie’s memory, donations may be made to the Pride Center of the Capital Region or the NYOH Community Cancer Foundation. Condolences may be expressed by signing the family's online guestbook. Arrangements are by, Simple Choices, Inc. Cremation Service of the Capital District.