Helen M Hillis

Helen (Holleran) Hillis went home to be with the Lord on February 18, 2021. Helen was born on July 19, 1933 in Scranton, PA, to the late Martin and Margaret (Callahan) Holleran. She and her family moved to Wilmington, DE when she was 7-years-old. She graduated from P.S. DuPont in 1952, where she met the love of her life, Donnie. In addition to her parents, Helen is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Donnie Hillis Sr.; three daughters, Aggie Casey, Peggy Hillis, and Lenie Hillis; two grandchildren, Brian Casey and Lexie Hillis; son-in-law, Bruce Williams; her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Jack Fitzpatrick; mother-in-law, Agnes Kruzienski; brothers-in-law, Buddy and Pete Hillis. The best way to sum up this beautiful soul, and the mark she has left on all of us, is to quote Shakespeare, “and though she be but little, she is fierce.” The cross she bore for most of her life was unimaginable, yet she was still the most selfless human being any of us ever knew. Whether you were a friend of her kids or of her grandkids, she instantly became your Mom or Mommom, as well. Helen enjoyed anything and everything that involved her family. She loved watching sports, especially her kids and grandkids. Although, she wasn’t usually a fan of the referees, and typically argued every call they made. She was quite the athlete, herself, in both basketball and track; she was known as the little girl who ran like the wind at Christ Our King. She was a proud employee for A & P. She loved to dance, especially the jitter bug; She was an avid reader and was quite the news and history buff. She is survived by four of her daughters, Michaelene Williams, Mary Owens (Mike), Marti Denis (Jack), and Sheila DiNardo (Bill), and her son, Donnie Hillis Jr. (Joan); 17 grandkids; 29 great-grandkids; 2 great-great-grandkids; brother Buddy Holleran (Janet); sister-in-law, Patricia Hillis (of Artesia, CA); brother-in-law, Walt Kruzienski (Janice); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. We will all miss her company and conversations, but most importantly, we will miss her unconditional love and support. Though our hearts are filled with sadness, that we have lost our Mom, Mommom, and Matriarch, it gives us great solace and joy knowing that she has been reunited with her soulmate, children, and grandchildren, in Heaven. The Hillis family would like to thank Seasons Hospice for their excellent care, kindness and support, especially Kristen McKinley and Rhadesia Barnes. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Helena Catholic Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809. Burial will be private.