Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Hillegass, Jean Rourke March 20, 2017
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Robert Woolfitt http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008401 April 27, 2022, 1:26 pm

Virginian-Pilot  March 22, 2017
Norfolk - Jean Rourke Hillegass, 90 years young, passed away peacefully on March 
20th after a short illness in her hometown, Norfolk, Va. Mom died the way she 
lived; surrounded by her children and loved ones. She might be on her way to 
heaven, but she will never leave our hearts.

Born on October 15th, 1926, in Norfolk, Va. to the late Doris M. Rourke, mom 
married the only man she ever loved, Reon Hillegass, in 1948, and they were 
together until his passing in 2011. She is survived by Mary Hardy(Gary), of Va. 
Beach, Reon G. Hillegass III, of Lake Worth, Florida, Samuel C. Hillegass, of 
Norfolk, Elizabeth Jean Hillegass, of Norfolk, Timothy J. Hillegass(Julia), of 
Smithfield, Va., Jessie Mae Hillegass, of Lake Worth, Florida, and Sean F. 
Hillegass, of Norfolk. She is also survived by eight grandchildren-Heather Hardy 
Greenhaw, Gary Hardy, Jr., Jennifer F. Hardy, Ashley Jean Hardy, Jean Matthias 
Hillegass, Adam Sotzing, Joseph Hillegass, and Ceara G.H. Sotzing.

Also, five great-grandchildren-John H. Greenhaw, Stanley C. Walker III, Faye E. 
Hardy, Dustin H. Drumheller, and Elizabeth J. Hillegass.

Mom was involved with many charities and organizations, including the St. Mary's 
Home for Disabled Children Auxiliary for over 50 years, Board Memeber for the 
Little Theater of Norfolk, United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Charlemagne 
Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Colonist 
(State Regent), of which she was so proud her license plates read VA DAC, Order of 
the Merovingian Dynasty, ODU Town and Gown, and she was the owner of Hillegass 
Properties and past Vice-President of Hillegass Lighting.

But mom's No. 1 job, and the one of which she was the proudest, was as a loving 
wife and mother. She was the mother of seven, but mom to many, as mom opened the 
doors to her big house, and even bigger heart to many people and groups over the 
years. The Hillegass House was Home Central for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, 
and countless birthday parties over the years. TV commercials, small movies, 
parties to honor friends and family. Even when the party was to honor someone 
else, mom's natural charm and wit made her the center of attention, as she held 
court no matter where she sat.

Warm spring, summer and fall days would find mom sitting on her rocking chair on 
the front porch, overlooking Stockley Gardens and the world, as she enjoyed every 
day as if it was her last.

Mom epitomized the true meaning of a Southern Belle, from her elegant looks, to 
the way she carried herself with grace and dignity, to her Southern accent, and 
while she did not finish college, she had a Graduate Degree in how to raise a 
family, and how to treat people.

It's said that they don't make 'em like they used to, and in the case of Jean R. 
Hillegass it has never been more true.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 
H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., 1501 Colonial Avenue., Norfolk. A Funeral Mass will be 
celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 
Norfolk, by the Reverend Father Paul Muyimbwa. Burial will follow in St. Mary's 
Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Mary's 
Home for Disabled Children Auxiliary at 6171 Kempsville Circle, Norfolk, VA 23502. 
Online condolences may be offered at www.hdoliver.com.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/norfolkcity/obits/h/hillegas2797nob.txt

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