Annie Lucille Hilbush

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Annie Lucille Hilbush (née Welsh), 78, passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2025, surrounded by her family in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Born on Sept. 12, 1947, in Clinton, "Anne" was the daughter of Samuel and Lucille (McCoy) Welsh. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1965 and went on to earn an associate degree in secretarial work from Campbell College in 1967. That same year, she married the love of her life, Edward Oscar Hilbush III, at the First Methodist Church in Clinton — a union that would span 57 devoted years.

Anne and Ed began their life together, traveling across the country before settling in West Chester in 1976. There, they became active members of the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, where Anne served as a deacon for three years. Her faith and commitment to community were central to her life.

A devoted wife and mother, Anne is lovingly remembered by her husband Ed and their five children, Matthew Hilbush (Terri), Timothy Hilbush (Brandy), Karen Hilbush McMillan, Sage Gonzalez Hilbush (Ramona), and Amy Hilbush. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren, Ace, Jacob, Maci, Jameson, Malinalli, and Valentín.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Samuel Gladstone Welsh; and her sister Judy (Welsh) Bailey.

Anne had a zest for life that shone through in everything she did. She found great joy traveling with Ed on antique car tours across the United States — an adventure they shared for many years. A lover of the arts, she cherished attending Broadway shows with friends and family. At home, she enjoyed cross-stitching, painting and losing herself in a good novel.

Her dedication to service extended beyond her family and church. Anne was an active member and past president of the Junior New Century Club, where she formed many lifelong friendships through her generous spirit and tireless volunteerism.

Those who knew Anne remember her as a sweet, caring, selfless woman who always put others before herself. Her warmth touched everyone around her: family, friends and neighbors. Her legacy of kindness will live on through them.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends were invited to her visitation on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 10-10:45 a.m. at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380, followed by her funeral service at 11 a.m.

Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Anne's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriner's Children's Hospital, both causes close to her heart.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com.