Linda L. Hillman

Linda Hillman, 89, of Bucyrus, died February 19, 2026, from a broken heart. She had recently lost her husband of 71 years and they’re once again together in their Heavenly home.

Linda was born April 22, 1936 in Eau Claire, Michigan to the late Jesse Paul and Janice (Fernham) Calvin. Her family grew up in Dowagiac, Michigan. In her early grades, she attended a one room schoolhouse with a potbellied stove. Upon her daily arrival at school, the teacher had the students place their potatoes in the stove, where they’d be ready for lunch. From a young age, Linda’s mom taught her a valuable lesson, as she always made sure to send extra potatoes for those in need. From those early years and on, Linda has always put the needs of others ahead of her own.

Their family lived on Dewey Lake and Linda often reminisced with others about the great times they had at the lake. Some of her favorite memories included riding on her father’s shoulders while skiing down the hill onto the lake during the winter months and swimming with family and friends during warmer weather. During summer months, she also picked cherries and strawberries which she sold at local Farmers Markets to help make money. Linda also enjoyed working at the Driftwood Summer Shop as a “soda jerk” and played piano in her father’s band, “The 5 Foot 2s”. They performed many shows at the Wayne Grange as well as other establishments. When she turned 16, she moved to a boarding home, attending school during the day and working at the local hospital in the evenings as a unit clerk. Just so happens, this is where she met David Hillman, who eventually became the love of her life.

On September 5, 1954, she and David got married and his career took them to other parts of the country. She began working as a switchboard operator and as they began a family, she cared for everyone as a homemaker. Linda thoroughly enjoyed those years and was always active in “mom stuff”, including Girl Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher and will certainly be remembered as “Santa’s Helper”. A role where she put her sewing talents on display, by creating outfits for dolls delivered by Santa to area children. After her girls completed schooling, she worked as a legal secretary for a prominent attorney in Maryland prior to her retirement.

Linda loved time spent with family and each time they had to say goodbye, she always stated…love, love, love ya! She also enjoyed being on the water and was always ready for a trip to the casino. Possibly one of the reasons they moved to Las Vegas. She found peace in painting and certainly enjoyed tending to her flowers as well as vegetable gardens. Linda will certainly be remembered for her bread pudding, crab cakes and hot crab dip. Dishes that you just couldn’t get enough of.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Jane Richardson; son-in-law, Cullen Satterthwaite, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren; sister, Sandra Calvin and was blessed by some specific individuals who left their mark even more permanent than those she already loved. These individuals include her nephew, Steve (Diana) Ausra; great grandson, Payton Richardson; niece, Kathy Hillman and nephew, Andrei Massenkoff.

Linda is now reunited in Heaven with her parents, Paul and Janice; husband, David; daughter, Mary K. Satterthwaite; her beloved grandson, David Richardson; son-in-law, Phillip Richardson; sister, Jackie (Robert) Ausra.

Linda will be missed by many, but by no one more than her daughter who has expressed the truthful meaning of this sentiment.

The Love I Lost:

It was a true honor to be your daughter. That she raised me with love. She left this world with grace, and I will miss her every day of my life. Love, love, love ya, mom!

Per David and Linda’s wishes, a memorial service will be held at Silver Creek United Methodist Church in Dowagiac, Michigan (a sister church of Keeler UMC where they got married) with Pastor Sara Carlson officiating. A dinner and a toast to their life will follow at Timberline Restaurant and then on to The Driftwood for dessert.

If desired, donations may be made payable to a charity of the donor’s choice and will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio. Online memories are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.