Irmgard Anna Hillery

Irmgard “Irma” Anna Röckl Hillery of Slidell, LA, passed away peacefully in her sleep, at home, on Saturday, March 6, 2021.
Irma is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jules Wogan Hillery, their daughter Heidi Ann Hillery, her sister-in-law, Dee Dee Hillery Mullins (Tim), and by many adoring friends and relatives in both Germany and the United States. Irma was a caring mother to Heidi, and supportive former mother-in-law to Mike Cheek, and the recently deceased Jeffery Haynes. She was a devoted “Mima” to her grandson Zachary Alexander Cheek (Sarah) and granddaughter Madison Elizabeth Cheek, and an enthusiastic great-grandmother to Zac and Sarah’s one-year-old son Elijah Alexander, to whom she joyously sang in German.

A native of Weiden in der Oberfalz, Germany, she came to this Country in 1954 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Although she was Owner/Manager of Slidell Swim Supplies, her true passion was in lovingly serving others. She ministered to her community well, providing jobs to those who needed them, food to everyone who walked through her door, and a loving home to anyone who needed a place to rest and rejuvenate their spirit. In loving rememberence, a dear friend said “Irma is woven into the fabric of Slidell.”

Irma was a parishioner of Saint Genevieve Church and member of the Ladies’ Altar Society where she not only cooked many meals for others, but she also helped prepare the annual Saint Joseph’s Altar. She was an active member of the Foreign Born Wives’ Club and helped organize Oktoberfests in the area. She  served as a translator for visitors from Germany and Switzerland and hosted foreign students. Irma volunteered with many organizations, including local Hospice programs. Serving as Queen of the Italian Parade was the highlight of her participation in the Olde Town Merchants’ Association. More recently, Irma was a member of the Slidell Ladies for Liberty, where she enjoyed painting boxes for soldiers deployed around the world. Prior to moving to Slidell in 1976, when she and her family lived in Jefferson, Irma belonged to the Canal Street Presbyterian Church and the German Seaman’s Home, as well as was an integral part of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School’s happenings. She also taught many cooking classes in the French Quarter and never missed an opportunity to support her daughter’s love of competitive swimming with the Green Wave and, later, the Hurricane Swim Club.

Irma also touched many lives by opening her door to her “Stammtisch,” where she provided friends and family with gourmet meals, flowing wine, and philosophical discussions. She always made time for those who needed a shoulder to cry on, ears to listen, and hands to hold. Her cooking inspired many to learn, and several of her informal students later became professional Chefs. Her home and “Stammtisch” were also extended to Heidi’s friends throughout their lives, as they grew into adulthood, becoming a second Mom to many. She also welcomed numerous pets into the Hillery household, including among many others, one of Heidi’s cats, Clancy, whom Irma somewhat reluctantly acquired after Heidi’s sophomore year at LSU. Because Irma loved animals, many found sanctuary at the Hillery house during and after their lives.

Family and friends are invited to Saint Genevieve Catholic Church, 58203 Highway 433, Slidell, LA on  Saturday, March 20, 2021 starting at 10:15 a.m. for the Rosary and Eulogy/Remembrance as well as the Funeral Mass presided by Father Gerald “Gerry” Seiler. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Please share in Irma’s joy of color and wear your favorite.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the following friends, who lovingly gave of themselves to help Irma and family during this time: Kathy Gerken, Ginger and Curtis Cavalier, Mike Cheek, Diane Davis and Gwen Leitz. Additionally, the family thanks Egan Hospice, particularly CNA JoAnn and Nurse Shannon, for their devoted care of Irma.

The family requests memorial contributions be made in Irma’s name to one of the following charitable organizations, as both adoption and animals were important in her life:

Adoption Services of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans

Danna P. Cousins, LCSW-BACS, Director

4200 S. I-10 Service Road, W., Suite 124 - Metairie, LA 70001

www.adoptnola.com or www.CCANO.org

The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary

813 Florida Street, Suite F - Mandeville, LA  70448

www.sfas.org

Irma will lovingly be placed to rest in the Hillery Family Cemetery at Pine Ranch in a private belssing at a later date.