Mary Elizabeth Hillard, 89, of Clarion, PA, passed on peacefully, Saturday, September 13, 2014, surrounded by her four daughters and their families.
Mary lived most of her life on a farm south of Eau Claire, Pa., where she raised her four daughters with her beloved husband, the late Homer “Slim” Hillard, who passed away in February, 1999.
She was born on July 20, 1925, in Stow, OH, the daughter of the late John and Bertha (Martin) Denning.
Mary began her working career at B.F. Goodrich after attending business school.
After marrying Homer, she was a stay-at-home mom, working endless hours in her vegetable gardens on the farm providing wholesome food for her family. While living in Eau Claire, she was an active member at the Eau Claire Presbyterian Church where she was a church organist. She was a member of the Butler County Music Club and AMT Club. She worked at National Underground Storage in Boyers, PA.
Mary was a volunteer for the American Red Cross for a number of years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clarion and was an active member in their Church Circle.
Mary played the piano, violin, and organ throughout her lifetime.
More than anything, Mary enjoyed her daughters, Judy, Kay, Becky, and Peggy. She is survived by the girls and their families who will miss her very much; Judy and Dale Fiscus of Shippenville, Kay and Gene Nowicki of Cranberry, Becky and Jim Martin of Cincinnati, OH, and Peggy and Rod McKenzie of East Hampton, CT.
Mary’s legacy includes her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Michael and Rori Smith and daughters Hannah and Leah, Lon and Melissa Fiscus and children Jack and Jordan, Michele and Ted Howard and daughter Rachel, Chelsea and Joe Sierko and daughter Alexis and Emma, Beth Nowicki, Gena and Mike McVitty, Hillary and John LaMalfa and children McKenzie and Sam, Justin Martin, Jillian Martin and husband Aaron Fankell and son Jack.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her two brothers Paul and Bill Denning, and her grandson Kyle McKenzie.
For those who wish, memorial donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Cancer Center at Clarion Hospital, One Hospital Drive, Clarion PA 16214; the First United Methodist Church of Clarion, 600 Wood Street, Clarion PA 16214; or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Friends and family are invited for visitation Tuesday, September 16, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street in Clarion. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 600 Wood Street in Clarion with visitation one hour prior. Mary will be interred in the Eau Claire Cemetery.
To send online condolences, share memories, or obtain additional information, please visit the funeral home website at www.goblefh.net.
