Nirmala Mercy Hillary

Nirmala (Nikki) Mercy Hillary, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and (honorary) grandmother passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2025. She left behind a legacy of joy, kindness, and graciousness, draped beneath a strong Christian foundation.

Nikki was known for her unyielding cheerfulness, infectious energy, and sincere interest in everyone. Driven by deep compassion and a spirit of harmony, she had the gift to seamlessly connect with others.

She is survived by her husband, Josi, sons Sudha and Deepa, sister Hemala (Jayaseelan), and beloved chithie Dhama. She was predeceased by her parents, Rupert and Chandra, and brothers Rabi, Jaya (Sheila) and Prabha (Bali).

Nikki was born in Ramnad, India on August 6, 1939. Her family embraced the Gospel in the late 19th Century, following arrival of Christian missionaries from England. Reunions and family adventures dominated Nikki’s childhood, where she lorded her ‘1st Grandchild’ leadership title. She attended Sarah Tucker College (Tirunelveli, India) and Women’s Christian College (Chennai, India), earning a Bachelor of Science (Zoology) in 1959. Two years later, she earned a Teaching Certificate from St. Christopher’s Training College (Chennai, India), then taught high school locally.

Nikki’s parents arranged her 1962 marriage to Josi Hillary (Nagercoil, India), who was employed by the Indian Foreign Service. In December, they wed at the Good Shepherd Church (Mylapore, India). Less than two months later, the newlyweds departed via sea for a 5-week journey, concluding with arrival in Washington, D.C. Josi began his stint at the D.C. Indian Embassy, while Nikki worked as a Tamil language instructor with the U.S. Peace Corps.

Despite minimal familiarity with their new surroundings or one another, the new couple thrived in D.C. Several couples befriended them, introduced them to new practices, escorted them on trips, and acclimated them to American culture. After sons Sudha (1964) and Deepa (1966) arrived, the family quickly blended into the local environment.

Nikki and Josi became American Permanent Residents in 1968, following his departure from the Indian Foreign Service. Initially serving as a homemaker and community volunteer, Nikki enrolled in computer programming courses in the early 1970s. She then began a 25+ year career, serving as a Manager of Programmers and Analysts for American Management Systems, MCI, and the Internal Revenue Service.

In retirement, Nikki regularly visited her mother’s nursing home to provide care assistance and bring merriment to fellow residents. She traveled extensively and was active in Bible Fellowship Studies. Despite maintaining a full social calendar throughout her life, she continually chided herself for not doing even more to nurture her friendships.

Although Nikki Hillary will be profoundly missed, the memory of her engaging and happy presence will endure. A funeral service to honor Nikki will occur December 17th at The Falls Church Anglican, followed by a light reception and burial of her cremains at Oakwood Cemetery. The service will be live streamed.

Service

Wednesday, December 17 – 11 AM

The Falls Church Anglican

6565 Arlington Boulevard

Falls Church, VA

Burial

Wednesday, December 17 ~ 2 PM

Oakwood Cemetery

401 North Roosevelt Street

Falls Church, VA

Live Stream

URL to be provided on December 15

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to The Falls Church Anglican

(https://onrealm.org/TFCA/give/NikkiHillaryMemorial), where Nikki was an active member. From an early age, the Anglican Church instilled a moral compass within Nikki, guiding her life with peace, joy, and purpose.