Eileen Francis Hillman

Eileen Francis Dorchock Hillman passed away suddenly on Tuesday July 26, 2022 at the age of 79. Born on November 18, 1943 in Niles, Ohio to the late Andrew “Pop” and Antoinette (nee Kosance) Dorchock. Eileen was the beloved wife of Henry Carl Hillman; loving mother of Henry Christopher Hillman (Catherine), Victoria Lynn DiCesare (Andrew), and Courtney Michele Hillman; Cherished Grandma to Danielle, CJ, Jessica, and Rebecca; Caring sister to Marlene (Peter) Kaczmarkzyk and David (Debbie) Dorchock. Eileen was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother David, and daughter Courtney.

She graduated from Niles McKinley High School in 1960 and took a job as an Office Manager for an insurance company in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1963, she moved back to Niles when she worked as the Office Manager for an insurance company in Boardman, Ohio. On December 27, 1963, she went to the Elms Ballroom in Youngstown with her sister Marlene and her girlfriends to the opening of a nightclub. On her way, she told everyone in the car that she was going to meet her future husband tonight, they laughed at that notion. There she met Henry Hillman who was urged to go to the Elms with his young brother. They started dating in mid-January 1964 and were engaged in August 1964, married on June 5, 1965. They moved into their first house in Austintown, Ohio and later in 1977, moved to Pompano Beach, Florida and lived at the same house for 45 years. They spent 57 beautiful years together.

Eileen was a fearless matriarch and loved her family passionately. Even when her family was spread all over the country, from Pennsylvania, to Colorado, to Ohio, she was the central point to which everyone came together as often as possible. She took care of everyone, whether ensuring that there was food in their stomach or lending a hug when in need, she was incredibly caring and loved many effortlessly. Eileen was the person you would turn to for guidance in any uneasy situation, making you feel calm and able to handle anything with her support. She was a dedicated and loyal friend to anyone she met, whether you knew her for twenty minutes or twenty years. Even though she may have accidentally swapped your name with one of the many dogs or cats she rescued throughout her lifetime, she never failed to make the people around her feel completely loved.

She illuminated any room she walked in with her vibrant and colorful personality, never failing to enliven any situation. The stories she could tell were innumerable, sharing tales of intrigue from her childhood, cherished memories from raising her beloved children, or exciting recounts of her latest shopping finds from the flea market. She never exhausted her anthology of stories and lived a life worth writing a novel about.

She was passionate about what she loved and incredibly fearless. She was a natural world traveler and had a burning heart for adventure. She always bragged about checking off 48 of the 50 states and always had her next voyage on her mind. She and her husband spent three and a half months traveling around Australia in the fall/winter of 1994 and one and a half months visiting four countries in Southern Africa in 2004. They traveled extensively through the Caribbean and Central America with their family. One of her favorite adventures occurred in 2018, when for a month, she and Henry traveled to The Yukon, the Northwest Territories of Canada, and Alaska. Though often traveling far and wide, her favorite vacation was not far from home, returning to Disney World with unmatchable glee any chance she could get. She did not let any barriers stop her and was always determined to find excitement and newness wherever she ended up. She was incredibly proud of the adventures that her, her husband, and her family took together.

Eileen was a dedicated fan in every aspect of her life, particularly to her grandchildren. You could always count on her to be in the stands of various volleyball, softball, lacrosse, and soccer games, whether they be at a field around the corner, or at a court multiple states away. She was always eager to hear her grandson’s latest musical piece and encouraged everyone to follow their dreams, no matter how big. She coached cheerleading and softball and remained an avid sports fan supporting her Cleveland Browns. The support that Eileen provided could be felt whether you were next to her or across the world. She never ended a call without telling you how proud she was and undoubtedly always made you feel loved.

This could go on for ages and still fail to capture the beauty to which Eileen emitted. She is one in a million. She is incredibly loved and will be immensely missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to Eileen’s Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 2-6pm at Kraeer Funeral Home at 200 W Copans Road Pompano Beach, Florida followed by burial on Monday, August 1, 2022 at 1pm at Pompano Cemetery on South Federal Highway.

“If ever there’s a tomorrow when we’re not together, there’s something you must remember, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.” -Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh

The family wishes to thank everyone for their words of comfort during this difficult time. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnnorth.com.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.