Hattie Angeline Hillier, age 81, of Burlington passed away in her home on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

Hattie was born on March 15, 1930 in Gunnison, CO to Reynolds and Valley (Beard) Whitt, the 16th of 17 children.

She moved to Washington State in 1942 and graduated from Burlington-Edison High School in 1948.

She married Dwight Hillier of Aberdeen, WA on Sunday November 28, 1948 at the First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, and they moved to Pullman, WA where Dwight was attending Washington State College, now Washington State University.

After the birth of their first daughter, Linda Irene, and Dwight's completion of his college degree in 1950 they moved to the Skagit Valley. Hattie and Dwight built their first home together in 1951, where they welcomed their eldest son, Robert Dwight. Two additional children, Sharon Louise and Douglas Alfred were born in 1954 and 1956. Hattie treated motherhood as her life's work and devoted herself to her family and church during her entire life. Hattie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Burlington for over 60 years.

At the age of 36, Hattie decided to pursue a career in nursing and she became a licensed practical nurse in 1967. After her early experiences in helping others deal with their health issues, Hattie realized that nursing was her vocational calling. She returned to Skagit Valley College to earn her degree as a registered nurse in 1973 and eventually completed advanced training in stroke and oncology nursing at the University of Washington. Hattie worked tirelessly as a patient advocate for people receiving care and treated each person under her care as an extended member of her family.

Hattie is survived by her four children, Linda VanderPloeg (Bob) and Robert, Sharon (Butch Moncla) and Doug (Carolyn) Hillier as well as 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, John Whitt; sister, Willie June; and longtime friend and caregiver, Barbara Buchanan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight in 2003; and by her son-in-law Ronald Grotzke in 1988; and her daughter-in-law, Cheri Hillier in 2008.

Funeral services will be held at Kern Funeral Home on Monday, April 25, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Bow Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church, 831 E. Washington Ave., Burlington, WA 98233 or the Northwest Organization for Animal Help, PO Box #1603, Stanwood, WA 98292.

You may share your memories of Hattie, and sign her online guest register at www.kernfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald from Apr. 22 to Apr. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for HATTIE HILLIER

8 Entries

Mid-1990's, celebration of Hattie's cancer victory & retirement--seen with former oncology patient Marcia [Aiken] McAvoy.

Marcia McAvoy

April 25, 2011

Hattie was a significant person during my year of chemotherapy in 1984/85. We remained friends and later we celebrated both her victory over her cancer and her retirement, as seen in the photo of the mid-1990's. She was truly a special person, compassionate and caring, always having time in her busy day to hold a hand or give a warm hug. May she rest in peace and may we all rejoice for her. She was a treasure to hold close to our hearts.

Patti Henderson

April 24, 2011

To the Hillier family:
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a wonderful neighbor many years ago...a caring nurse during my son's cancer treatment, and always a great example to all who knew her!
Patti Henderson

Debbie Heitman- Louden

April 23, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of Hattie's passing. I worked with her at UGH. She was a wonderful, special lady who had a lot of love for her patients and co-workers. She was always a joy to around and had a great sense of humor. She will be missed greatly. Our prayers go out to all of you.

Tami Mattox

April 23, 2011

What a loss, you are all in my thoughts. Aunt Hattie was such a special lady in so many ways. I just loved her and Uncle Dwight. I was remembering her always bringing Praire's hairbrush (it was a human hairbrush) when we dogsat for them. May you be comforted with many happy memories of her and a life well lived.

Love and hugs to you all,
Tami, Ron and Kade

Lynn Handy

April 23, 2011

I would like to express sincere sympathy on the passing of Hattie. She was an amazing woman, and as a new RN, I learned so much from her! I had the privilege of working with her in oncology, and also when I took care of stroke victims. She will be missed! She came to mind a few days ago out of the blue, and I thought kindly of her and wondered about her. It is the spiritual connection we all have. Many blessings and rich memories to the whole family.

Shauna Jordan

April 22, 2011

My sincere condolences at the loss of this fine and wonderful lady. I worked and talked with her daily for many years @ SVH and felt the loss even when she retired. So sorry to hear she has gone to rest.

Sandi Jones

April 22, 2011

I am so sorry for the Loss of your Mom and a wonderful Aunt and person. She has always held a special spot in my heart. May the peace in knowing she is in a better place keep your hearts from breaking.

Christina Armstrong-Phillips

April 22, 2011

My sincere sympathy Linda, for the loss of your mother. May your beautiful memories be many.

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