Elyssa Hilton

Born in Boston, MA on January 27, 1967, she was the beloved daughter of Gerald (Maryanne) Gordon and Marcia (Richard) Schaefer.

Elyssa was raised in New York State’s Capital Region, where she lived until relocating with her family to Copley, Ohio in 2006. She was a graduate of Bethlehem Central High School. True to her capable and determined nature, Elyssa boldly chose to pursue a college degree in her forties, graduating summa cum laude from University of Akron in 2014. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she then went on to enjoy a meaningful career teaching middle school math and science, while also completing her master’s degree.

In 1989, Elyssa was introduced to a friend of a friend at Albany’s Elbo Room. He was instantly smitten, but Elyssa took a bit longer to come around. Happily, she ultimately did, and Elyssa and Lee ”Chip” Hilton married in 1992. They went on to build their life together - working hard, having fun, and upgrading homes as earnings and children grew. When they moved to Ohio, it was the first time either of them had lived outside of the Albany, NY area. They were 500 miles from home and family, but were welcomed with open arms into their new neighborhood, confirming every stereotype of the friendly Midwest. Neighbors came to become some of their closest and most trusted friends, and surrogate family.

A natural teacher, Elyssa was a coach for Girls on the Run, a camp counselor, a cheer coach, and a former board member of the Akron JCC. She was often eager, and always willing, to volunteer anytime she saw the need or was asked. Elyssa could party anyone under the table, and then dance on top of it. She was a frequent hiker of the many Metro Park trails, with stamina to continue long after her canine companion, Lilo, was ready to quit. Elyssa also maintained a sharp mind by reading, doing puzzles, and of course - This Is Jeopardy! every night at 7:30pm sharp. She was known by all who loved her as “the strongest person I have ever met.”

Elyssa is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 35 years, Lee “Chip” Hilton; her cherished children, Sam (Christina Bordeaux) Hilton and Rachel (Nathan Spangler) Hilton; her parents Gerald “Jerry” (Maryanne) Gordon and Marcia (Richard) Schaefer; her sisters Kara (Menachem) Aharon and Marla (Jay) Carruthers; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 W Market St, Akron OH 44333, on November 4, 2026 at 3:00pm, followed by a reception to share good food and good memories. Additional calling hours will be held:

November 5, 3:00 - 6:00pm, at the home of Lee and Elyssa

November 8, 10:00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm - 4:00pm, with minyan at 2:30pm, at the home of Marla and Jay Carruthers, Saratoga Springs, NY

November 9, 3:00pm - 6:00 pm, at the home of Marla and Jay

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make contributions in honor of Elyssa to Girls on the Run https://www.gotrnortheastohio.org/giving/gotrneo-mission-advancement-fund-26-27?shem=aimgspe

To view a recorded livestream of the service, please click the link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26107689116494