MaryEllen (Chavarie) Hilliard

MaryEllen Hilliard of Magnolia, by way of Maine, passed peacefully September 11, 2023 with her daughters beside her. MaryEllen was born November 11, 1942 in Grey, Maine to parents Leo and Pauline Chavarie. She was an incredible mother to her 5 children. A loving sister and grandmom, who showed great care to those she loved.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Mark Hilliard (wife, Donna), Janice Hilliard, Suzanne Shaw (husband, Dale), David Hilliard (wife, Gabrielle) and Michael Hilliard; her grandchildren, Megan Hilliard, CassieLyn Hilliard, Brianna Hilliard, Sienna Hilliard and Rachael Ferro. In addition, MaryEllen is survived by her sisters, Carol Evans and Kathy Chavarie.

She is predeceased by her sister, Susanne Rhoades (who always needed to be first according to grandmom), and her parents.

MaryEllen lit up any room she was in. Always the first to crack a joke or ask a question. Her inquisitive nature ran deep, almost as deep as her love for her family. The bond between MaryEllen and her sisters is the kind they write stories about. Forged by the life of military children, moving around the world together. She loved her children and their children deeply and sacrificially, telling anyone who would listen about their accomplishments, no matter how small. She cared for all people. No one got left out or excluded.

There aren’t words enough to describe accurately the life of MaryEllen. She often reminded her family, “I’ve had a good life, a life that some only dream of. No regrets.” An incredible homemaker, amazing cook, finder of all interesting recipes, stuffer of stockings, lover and caretaker of her family, and servant of Jesus.

Heaven’s gain is our loss. MaryEllen, you will be missed greatly and loved for all eternity.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE, 19808 on Friday, September 22 for a viewing from 10:00 – 11:00AM  Funeral services will begin at 11:00AM, and interment will follow the services at All Saints Cemetery.

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