Mae Hills

8/27/1939 - 8/3/2025

Niantic - Mae Hills, 85, passed away Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. Mae's loving family had spent the day with her.

Mae was the only daughter of Raymond Donovan and Jean Donovan and was born Aug. 27, 1939.

Mae grew up in Pittsford, N.Y., and graduated from Mercy High School in 1957. Mae went onto nursing school and became a nurse in 1960. While working in Utica, N.Y., she met the love of her life, Michale Hills. They married July 29,1961. Mae worked at a hospital in Illinois, while Mike finished his degree. They worked as a team to raise their three children, Susan Marie, Michael Granvill and Mary Elizabeth.

Moving to Connecticut, Mae and Mike bought their house in Niantic. Mae was able to stay home and raise her family. She returned to work in 1980, working for the Visiting Nurse Association. A few years later, she would begin working as a school nurse in the East Lyme school system. She worked at many of the schools and made lifelong friends in this job.

Mae was very involved in the community as a volunteer. If someone needed a volunteer, she was there! She belonged to numerous organizations beginning with the Junior Women's Club in the 70s, where she served as president. She served on many PTA groups. Her biggest volunteer impact was her work with Care and Share. She began working with the organization in the early 90s and served as president for many years. She was an active member for 30 years and was a driving force in growing the organization and obtaining a permanent location for them. She was also very active in St. Agnes.

In her retirement year, Mae and Mike spent many years traveling all over Europe, as well as China and Egypt. They also spent 9 wonderful years in Florida during the winter. It was Mae's happy place. She was also an active member of the OHC and served on their board. She loved the neighborhood and going to the beach.

Mae is survived by her daughter Susan Hills; her son Michael Hills; her daughter Mary Jennings, son in law Brent Jennings and her two special grandchildren, Caeleigh and Dillon Jennings. She is also survived by her loving in-laws: JD Hills, Daniel Hills and his wife, Dale Hills, Robert Hills and Cindy Hills; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at Thomas L Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 22 Haigh Street, Niantic. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Care and Share of East Lyme, Box 314, Niantic, CT 06357.