Jill Basile Hitchins (Miss Jill), age 71, sadly left us on the morning of August 3, 2026. Jill is survived by her devoted husband, Robert “Bob” Hitchins, Jr. The couple recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary when she was diagnosed with ALS. The loving sons are Robert “Biff” Hitchins, III, Joshua Hitchins (Ashley), and Dylan Hitchins (Chiemi). Dr. Leslie Ervin (Michael) is Bob’s daughter from a prior marriage, and Grace Ervin is the couple’s granddaughter. Jill also leaves behind her dear brother, Barry Basile (Brenda), and adoring nieces, Aimee and Bailey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin “Tex” and Betty Basile. Jill had a lifetime friendship with Betty Macias, Cindy Strecker, and Mary Haar. The Fab Four Ladies have been friends since third grade at St. Gabriel.
Jill graduated with honors from St. Mary’s Dominican High School in 1973, where she was a four-year member of their band and played the saxophone, guitar, piano, and trained in voice. Music was a constant in her life. Jill was a supportive, compassionate sorority sister when she joined Alpha Xi Delta Sorority while at the University of New Orleans, where she earned her master’s degree in Special Education in 1978. Jill attended dancing classes for 40 years and was a member of the UNO Starlettes Dance Team.
She met the love of her life, Coach Bob, at her first teaching job at Chalmette High School. Jill’s longest tenure was at St. Michael Special School, where she was a teacher and director of the Bell Choir from 2000 – 2025. She spent two days a week during the summers of 2011 – 2025 tutoring at St. Vincent de Paul Adult Learning Center in New Orleans.
Jill was honored by Louisiana First Foundation in 2020 for her contributions to St. Michael Special School and she established a needs inclusion program at the Contemporary Arts Center as part of their summer camp.
Bob and Jill received the Order of St. Louis Medallion in 2020 by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for their dedication and service to the Catholic Church, St. Ann Church and National Shrine in Metairie, Louisiana.
Jill had a strong faith in God and was surrounded by a close family and numerous friends all her life. She was the ultimate wife, mother, sister, and friend. She touched many lives and leaves a legacy of memories to cherish.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at St. Ann Church and Shrine, 4940 Meadowdale St. in Metairie, Louisiana, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12:00PM. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 9:30AM and the recitation of the rosary at 11:35AM. The interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery No. III.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jill’s memory to St. Michael Special School, www.stmichaelspecialschool.com, or St. Vincent de Paul Society, www.svdpneworleans.org.
To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
