NORWICH – Our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister Holly Esther Hilts, age 86, passed into the arms of the Lord on March 9, 2007 in Norwich.
She was born July 18, 1920, in Munnsville to Seward and Caroline (Green) Elphick. She returned to Norwich from Florida to live near her family in 2003. In her early years she worked for Oneida Silversmith, Kraft Foods, Tansey Auto Parts, and Norwich Knitting Mill.
She was married for 61 years to Robert E. Hilts who predeceased her in December of 2003. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law: S. Wayne and Kelly Hilts of West Edmeston, Warren and Lodema Hilts of New Mexico, and Douglas and Barbara Hilts of Norwich. Also surviving are her sister, Barbara Bump of Munnsville, a brother and sister-in-law Edson and Janette Elphick of Pulaski; 14 grandchildren: Holly C. Hilts, Shelia Ashcraft and her husband Tim, Ben Hilts, Barb Hilts, Freida Hilts, Dwayne Hilts and his wife Patches, Kaley Hilts, Courtney Hilts, Ryan Hilts, Steven Hilts, Larissa Ellis and her husband Ryan, James Hilts, Brenda Hilts and Holly L. Hilts, as well as 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a grandson, Scott Hilts.
Mom had a great sense of humor and enjoyed many activities; she was a very talented needle crafter, enjoyed sewing, square dancing with The Broken Squares, gardening, baking lots of cookies for the grandchildren, and reading. On a warm sunny day she loved to ride in her grandson’s Porsche. She also enjoyed hearing stories of her grandson’s travels, and holding new babies as they joined the growing family – most recently Ayden Ellis at Christmas time.
We were blessed to have her living near us her last three years as she lived at Grace View Manor. She enjoyed new friends there, gatherings and celebrations.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, Norwich, where she was a member since returning from Florida, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, with Rev. Dr. Susan P. Polizzi officiating. Calling hours will be at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, on Monday March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Please consider memorial donations to First Baptist Church, 10 West Park Place, Norwich, NY 13815.