Obituary of Mary Ellen Hillman

Mary Ellen Hillman
(nee Rubnitz)

Aged 90, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 6, 2018, at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.

She was born June 20, 1928, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Clara (nee Erensky) and Joseph Rubnitz. Mary Ellen was raised in Joliet, attending Joliet Grade Schools and Joliet Township High School. She later attended the University of Illinois.

Surviving are her son, Jim (Deena) Hillman; three grandchildren, Mattilee (Joshua Nagle), Harry, and Max Hillman; one sister, Myra (Irv) Bressel; and one brother-in-law, Arthur (Minette) Hillman, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Danny B. Hillman; son, John Hillman; her parents; and one sister, Nancy Bernstein.

Mary Ellen was a member of the Joliet Jewish Congregation, Sisterhood, and Hadassah, Joliet Area Community Hospice Guild, and various other organizations. She also performed in Kiwanis shows in the early 1960s and was an original member of the local singing group, The New People, beginning in the late 1970s. Professionally, she was a teacher for many years at St. Joseph, St. Mary Nativity, and Pershing Grade Schools.

Funeral services for Mary Ellen Hillman will be held Thursday, January 10, 2019, at the Joliet Jewish Congregation, 250 N. Midland Avenue, Joliet, where all friends and relatives may gather from 10:00 a.m. until services begin at 11:00 a.m., with Rabbi Charles Rubovits officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Joliet. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to the Joliet Jewish Congregation or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com