Angelina Marie Hillaire

After a very lengthy labor Angelina Marie Hillaire was born to Susan M Hillaire and James R Hillaire Jr on March 12, 1983. Apparently she didn’t want to be born on an odd number of the month. She was a bright little girl that sometimes had amusing things to say, though these were her real observations. When we got sent home because her sister Jamesina didn’t want to be born yet, she exclaimed as we were getting ready to leave the hospital, “We lost!”, as is it were a contest. Later on when her sister Kaylela came along, she said, “Gee mom is almost having too much babies!” Not knowing her baby sister Anitra and Little Brother James were yet to come. As time went on Angelina grew to be an accomplished traditional dancer, as our family followed the Pow-Wow Trail. Angelina also became the Pow-Wow Princess two consecutive years for the Kla-How-Ya days Pow-Wow. She loved to spend time and recreate with her friends and family. She loved her grandparents and loved visiting them also. As Angelina grew into her adolescence she became challenged with her first bout with addiction; granted it may have been with the softer drugs of Marijuana and alcohol. But we all know no drug is really soft is it? Angelina was able to complete her Term of Treatment at the Healing Lodge of the 7 Nations in Spokane. In fact she wanted to stay longer. She embraced her peers and staff there to the point one of her counselors stated “She could return someday and run the place.” This is one instance I wish I could have placed my human frailty of missing my daughter aside, and let her stay on at 7 Nations Healing Lodge. Angelina had bouts of relapse since then but did have the periods of sobriety to where she graduated with her High School Degree, which was one of her two proudest accomplishments. The other becoming a member of the Cee-owen family.

Although she had challenges, Angelina never lost the ability to love. She had three significant relationships, as we know don’t always work out for the best. Seven children were brought into the world as a result of those relationships. Due to her continued challenge with an addictive disease her children are now in the foster system. I dare say Angelina’s issues weren’t just of her own doing. She had help in staying sick. I see it now after it is all over with, she didn’t have the ability to carry a hard boundary around her to protect herself from using people. Nor did she have the ability to forgive herself for poor choices she made. She sometimes considered herself as an example of what not to be. I heard her say “Don’t do the things I have done, I’m paying for it now!” Well now Angelina has paid the ultimate price. Despite all her hardships, Angelina never lost her ability to love others; perhaps more than herself. On the day of her admission into the hospital on the 7th of July 2016, she had an appointment at Family Services at 1PM. An appointment that couldn’t be kept nor rescheduled. Angelina fought hard so we wouldn’t have to feel what we are now. She gave it her best effort, but her body was overcome by a blood bourn pathogen that reigned chaos and damage to her heart, kidneys and lungs. A pathogen that was likely introduced to her system by tainted drug using equipment. Angelina was taken from us on the morning of July 15th, 2016. Way too soon we all say, but it has come to pass. What Angelina has given to me is the ability to love, even now.

I know full well our daughter Angelina Marie Hillaire/Nuk-Sha-Myet, because of her loving heart and spirit, wouldn’t want anyone else to come to an end like she has. She now has become my elder and will do my utmost to live by her decree of “Don’t do the things I have done – not only am I paying for it now, I have paid the ultimate cost.” I for one won’t take my daughter Angelina’s loss of life in vain and will to the best of my ability live a good life. So I can earn my right to have her welcome me as she stands with my ancestors and hear her say “I love you dad!” Respectfully James R Hillaire Jr Yan-Wak-Shut, Angelina’s father.

Survived by her spouse, Jason O’Day. Children Thomas Williams, Kiersten Williams, Andrew (Bubbie) Comenote, Anela Hillaire, Alamea Comenote, Kayleena Comenote, and Jason David Lee James O’Day. Parents Susan M. Hillaire and Jim R. Hillaire JR. Grandparents Maternal Dolores V. Hatch Paternal James (Smitty) Hillaire Sr. and Luttie Hillaire. Siblings Roxanne Jack, Jamesina Hillaire, Kaylela (Jack) Grayson, Anitra Hillaire, and James Hillaire III. Nieces and Nephews Jeffery Jack, Rocio Hatch, Roberto Jack, Jazzy Jack, Gizelle Bill, Angus Grayson, Palani Hillaire, Makaio Hillaire, Addie Hillaire and James R. Hillaire IV. Many Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and Friends. Proceeded in death by, Maternal Grandpa Clarence H. Hatch SR. and Margret E. Pierre. Maternal- Uncles Bryon J. Fryberg, Leroy M. Fryberg and Myron Fryberg. Paternal-Uncles Tim Hillaire and Tony George. Brother James Owen Jefferys. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 1-2pm at Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home. Interfaith service will be at 6pm on July 20, 2016 at the Tulalip Tribal Gym. Funeral services will be July 21, 2016 at 10am at the Tulalip Tribal Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.