Wilda Jean Hillman

Wilda J. Hillman of Cadillac passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, January 20, 2018. She was 95 years old. Wilda was born January 6, 1923 in Cadillac to Thomas Glen and Alice Mae (Hayes) Miller. Always outgoing and friendly she loved spending time in her family's restaurant, Miller's Cafe located in downtown Cadillac. She graduated from Cadillac High School in 1941. On August 21, 1942 she married John H. Hillman in Enid, Oklahoma where John was stationed in the Air Force. They shared 72 wonderful years together. Wilda earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University while raising a family of 6 children. She was a caring and devoted teacher in Cadillac for 24 years teaching at Hollister, St. Ann's, Forest View and Lincoln Schools. Her love of the community, arts, and culture were evident. She supported many causes. Wilda was a member of the Cadillac Philharmonic Club and Chorus, Women's Club, Cadillac Country Club, Zion Lutheran Church Council and Committees, Zion Lutheran Choir, Scandinavian Club, and Past President of the Women's ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). Wilda was an avid reader, bridge player, crossword puzzle wiz, and lifelong learner. She loved spending time with her family, golfing, baking, volunteering, traveling to Europe, and winters in Arizona and Florida. Wilda will be remembered by her love and devotion to her family and faith, her ever present smile, words of encouragement, generous heart, sense of humor, fun loving nature, and tremendous strength and determination. She is survived by a son, Tom (Molly) Hillman of Roscommon, daughters Deb Barney of Cadillac, Liz (Leonard) Terranova of Grand Rapids, Martha (Bill) Norman of Grand Rapids, daughter in law, Sheri Hillman of Cadillac; grandchildren: Andy, Laurie, Sarah, Mary Ann, Katie, Susie, Erik, Patrick, Courtney, and Shelby; great grandchildren: Zachary, David, Blake, Grace, Stefan, Lucy, Ella, Olivia, Grant, Luke, Mitchell, and Jack; a brother Tom (Diane) Miller of Valparaiso, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, sons Philip and Tim. Wilda will be greatly missed by all who loved her! A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Cadillac with Reverend Scott Torkko officiating. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Zion Lutheran Church in Cadillac or to Hospice of Michigan. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Wilda Jean Hillman

January 6, 1923 - January 20, 2018