Barbara Ann (Hilgen) Jahoda

Barbara Ann Hilgen Jahoda, 75, passed away peacefully with her youngest daughter and son-in-law at her side on Sunday, July 13, 2014 due to complications from Lung Cancer. She was born on February 16, 1939 in Leonia, New Jersey to Henry and Marion Hilgen, who both immigrated from Germany and met in New Jersey. She grew up in Leonia with her brother Robert Hilgen, and supported the family restaurant, Hilgen’s Luncheonette. Her father’s passion was candy making, and she always described fond memories of Easter time at the store, where they made beautiful baskets filled with handmade chocolate Easter Bunnies using ornate molds from Germany. She married John Jahoda on May 7, 1961 and became an Executive Assistant for Mobil in NYC. She became a full-time mother once her first daughter was born in 1967, and painfully lost her son, John Jahoda Jr., who was born on May 10, 1969 and passed away only 10 days later from heart defects. She always kept his memory close to her heart. She joyed in the birth of two more daughters in 1971 and 1973. She poured her love and support into her three daughters, and became their foundation through many moves related to her husband’s job as they grew up – from NY to FL, TN, CA, NC and finally to TX, where she lived, worked, and, closest to her heart, enjoyed her beloved grandchildren for the remainder of her life. She and her husband eventually divorced in 1992. Her strength and independence enabled her to open a new chapter in her life. She worked for the City of Coppell, eventually becoming the Executive Assistant to the City Planner, and after more than 20 years with the City, she retired so that she could focus all of her attention on her grandchildren. Her most cherished role with the City was that of Mrs. Claus in the annual Christmas Parade through the streets of Coppell. She loved the bright, happy faces of the children and looked forward to this special role year after year. She also became involved in and made many donations to a local Battered Women’s Shelter, reminding us all of the importance of giving back to the community in ways that enrich other’s lives. She is survived by her daughters, Kristin Arndt and her husband Christopher of Johns Creek Georgia, Susan Fullerton and her husband David of Cumming, Georgia, and Janice Barrett and her husband Bryan of Fort Worth, Texas. She leaves behind six beloved grandchildren: John, Grant and Cole Arndt, and Ella, Daphne and Emerson Barrett. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Hilgen and his wife, Barbara, and their children Rebecca Bryan, Sharon Willis, Robert Hilgen, and Sally Lawes. Barbara’s joyful spirit and giving nature will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She poured all of her heart into everything she did, including her courageous fight against cancer. She leaves a legacy of strength and enduring love, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Restland Funeral Home in Coppell, Texas to honor Barbara and her life. Her family requests that any donations be made in her honor to The American Cancer Society.