Joellen Hillery

Born August 24, 1933, Joellen was a life-long resident of the Akron area and passed away on April 29, 2024. She was preceded in death by parents Frank "Doc" Wargo and Myrna Wargo, husband and high school sweetheart Thomas Hillery, sister Nan Wylie and brother-in-law Gene Wylie.

Growing up as a young girl, Joellen spent her youth tagging along with her father as he coached football, basketball and baseball. An avid sports fan always, young Joellen was the pitcher on the mound with the long braids.

Joellen was a 1951 graduate of St. Vincent High School and attended the University of Akron.

Joellen was a wonderful mother, wife and homemaker who took great pleasure in raising and nurturing tropical plants, flowers, and took great pride in hosting showstopping holiday gatherings. The family was always assured of a white Christmas because Joellen's favorite color was white and was used as a focus throughout the home.

She imparted a caring motherly love for her dogs, they were her family. Joellen also loved taking daily walks on the trails in Akron's Metro Parks. She was a dedicated football fan who followed the game at all levels and was especially devoted to the Pittsburgh Steelers and occasionally attended their games and social events.

Joellen would like her family and friends to remember her by this Irish blessing:

Death is nothing at all. I have slipped into the next room. Life means all that it ever meant. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your site. I am but waiting for you for an interval somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing has passed. Nothing has been lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before, only better, infinitely happier. We will be as one forever.

Joellen is survived by children Kyle (Jim) Freeman, Kelly (David) Seiberling, Jim (Andrea) Hillery and grandsons Frank Freeman and Evan Seiberling.

Special thanks to the Shaffer and Seit families, the staff at Concordia for their care and support, and Cleveland Clinic Hospice.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Hilary Catholic Church in Fairlawn on Monday, May 6 at 11:30 am. The family will receive guests beginning at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joellen's name may be made to the Summit County Humane Society, 7996 Darrow Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087.