Barbara Hillery Saik

Barbara (Babs) Elise Hillery Saik, age 96, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024 with her beloved husband of 75 years by her side. Babs was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother. She lived a life full of love, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community and was a devoted champion for education.

Babs is survived by her husband and the love of her life, Ogden Nash Saik, her four children Judy Cole (Don), Clif Saik (Louise), Laurie Wiesing (Dave) and Susie Peebles (John) as well as 6 much loved grandchildren Catie Cole, Christopher Saik, Walker Saik, Leslie Wiesing Sasser, Gabrielle Wiesing Fletcher, Heather Wiesing Huffman, John Peebles, and Bill Peebles and six great grandchildren. She believed passionately in being part of the lives of her children and grandchildren, taking many diverse and exciting Elderhostel trips with her grandchildren. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader, celebrating every achievement and offering comfort and guidance through every challenge.

Babs was born on August 14, 1927 in New Orleans to John Rouse Hillery Sr and Hortense Machauer Hillery. She is predeceased by her parents and her five siblings, John R Hillery, Jr, Hortense Nunn, Dorothy Sutton, Elizabeth Inger Hansen, and Sergei J. Hillery, Jr.

Babs graduated from McMain High School and enrolled in college classes at Loyola University at age 15. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Tulane University while caring for her four small children- not an easy feat.

Babs used her education to inspire countless high school students in geometry during her 25-year career as a high school teacher, first at Riverdale High School and then at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, where in her pursuit of excellence for her students, she once emphasized that “a math textbook cannot be read like a dime store novel”. She was known for her innovative teaching methods and her ability to connect with students on a personal level, often mentoring those who needed extra support.

Following her career in education, she returned to college and earned a degree in computer science at the University of New Orleans. Babs worked ten years for the Jefferson Parish Courthouse, establishing and growing the computer department in the early digital age.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Babs was an active member of P.E.O. and the Metairie Garden Club. Her many hobbies included gardening, square dancing, bridge, projects galore, and of course her daily sudoku and word unscramble games. She loved her faithful dachshund companion, Woody, until his passing.

Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering moral compass left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. Her family, friends, colleagues, and students will deeply miss her warmth, wisdom, and boundless love.

Many thanks to the tireless love and devotion given to her by her caretakers- Kathrene Gonzales and Tanya Jourdan- and to all the caring personnel at Passages Hospice.

A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10 AM at Metairie Cemetery, immediately followed by a reception for family and friends to celebrate Bab’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Cottey College for student scholarships (a women’s college supported by P.E.O) or to St Martin’s Episcopal School.