Harriett Hilario

Harriett Kimball Hilario passed away peacefully on January 2, 2015, surrounded by her children, family and friends. She bravely fought pancreatic cancer for almost a year to the day of her diagnosis. Harriett's faith in Jesus and prayer helped her maintain her strong, positive spirit throughout the year. Harriett was born April 22, 1939, to Ray and Louise Kimball in Hysham, Montana. She was the youngest child of the family and joined her brothers Fred and Bill, and sister Marian. Harriett was raised in Hysham and graduated from Hysham High School in 1957. She cherished her memories of growing up in Hysham. On October 10, 1959, Harriett married Michael “Duke” Hilario in Billings, Montana. She was welcomed warmly into the Hilario family and developed a close loving relationship with Duke's parents and siblings. To this marriage were born, Michael, Mark, Heather, and Cathy. Harriett was a loving and nurturing mother; she held an unconditional love and admiration for her children throughout her life, and carried them in her heart always. Another blessing that arose from her marriage to Michael was her life long, loving relationship with Marcella, Martin, and Rose Mendoza. The Mendoza's loved Harriett like a daughter and together they shared a devoted faith to Jesus and his teachings. Harriett was a loving Grandma and found great joy in participating in her grandchildren's lives. She loved them all, not only as grandchildren, but as people and honored their individuality by nurturing and supporting their many talents and dreams. Harriett graduated from Eastern Montana College in 1974 and found her calling in the field of psychotherapy. Harriett started her career as a therapist and social worker at the Mental Health Center in Billings. She grew in her love for helping people, which led her to continue her education, completing her Masters in Social Work at San Jose State University. Harriett worked for Walla Walla University, Billings, as the practicum coordinator and a professor in the Masters in Social Work program. She loved sharing her knowledge, experience and expertise with her students and encouraged the potential in each of them. Harriett was admired and loved by her colleagues, and that love and respect was genuinely reciprocated by her as well. Throughout her life, Harriett developed deep, meaningful friendships, and into her warm, loving heart she welcomed them all. Harriett spent her life seeking knowledge about the human spirit, the world and humanity. This led to her many interests in learning and teaching as she joined in her weekly prayer group for over 40 years, and pursued further understanding of life through dreamwork, enigram, bible study, eucharistic ministry, and charismatic Catholisism. All of her journeys were aimed toward furthering her understanding of the connection between Jesus, love and people. Harriett and Duke divorced in 2005, but in the past year they have acknowledged their love for each other, and often shared time together with their children and grandchildren. For over 10 years Harriett was blessed with a special relationship with Ken Card. Ken's gentleness with Harriett allowed her to thrive in her new adventures, always with Ken's support. In her time of sickness Ken was with Harriett every day to assist her or simply keep her company and calm her fears. Harriett's loving spirit will live on through her family and friends, and her passion for learning and life has passed on to each of her children. Harriett was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Louise Kimball. She is survived by her children, Michael Wade Hilario, Mark Stephen Hilario, Heather Ann Hilario, and Catherine Lynn Hilario; daughter-in-law Beverly Hilario; and her siblings Fred (Joan) Kimball, Bill (Colleen) Kimball, and Marian (Ernie) Icopini; her grandchildren Mychal (Schaun) Hilario, Anthony Hilario, Megan Hilario, Mark Hilario Jr., Jesse (Toni) Ryan, Rich (Angela) Ryan, Erin (Joe) Seelbaugh, Tyler Weeden-Hilario, Marcus Weeden-Hilario, and Jasmine Diaz-Hilario, and great-grandchildren Cameron Ryan, David Ryan, Isaac Ryan, Annabelle Cox, Abygail Cox, Phiona Cox, Rowen Cox, and Mayes Seelbaugh, numerous nieces and nephews, and a vast number of friends. On Thursday, January 8th viewing will begin at 4:00 p.m., Rosary at 4:30 p.m. and Vigil at 5:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on January 9th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with a reception to follow. Committal will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her honor to the Billings Crisis Center or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com