Irene Ann Hilliard
Surrounded by family and loved ones, Irene Ann Hilliard passed away peacefully on the morning of August 10th, 2016. She had just celebrated her 88th birthday on July 26th.
Irene was born in 1928 in the heart of Detroit. The eldest child of Catherine and Frank Papierniak, Irene grew up in a Polish neighborhood on the west side. Her Catholic faith and commitment to family were the focus of her life. She graduated from Chadsey High School and later earned her business degree, which gave her the opportunity to work for the National Bank of Detroit and attain her real estate license.
In addition to these career accomplishments, Irene's true vocation was as wife and mother. She met the love of her life, Robert, on a blind date where he took her out for a pizza pie, which led to 67 years of marriage and 6 beautiful daughters. They moved from Detroit to Garden City in 1957, where they lived for 59 years. Irene was very social and loved to attend and host parties. She was an active member of St. Raphael parish and a ladies luncheon group.
Irene is survived by her husband Robert, sister Bernadine Horan (Jerry), and six daughters Annette Plant (Michael), Carol Bergin (Peter), Diane Ciotti (Mark), Michelle Loveland (Robert), Deborah Noe (Jim), Marie Harrington, and eight grandchildren Joseph, Lauren, Claire, Adam, Alexander, Robert, Lisa (Christopher), and Todd (April), and one great granddaughter Ryder.
Everyone who knew Irene knew her as one of the sweetest and gentlest women. Her Catholic faith brought a love and admiration for Angels and she is certainly now living peacefully as one of them up in heaven.
Visitation for Irene on Sunday, August 14 at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River, Novi, MI 48375 from 2-7pm. Rosary Sunday at 6pm.Visitation on Monday, August 15 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 South Lafayette, South Lyon, MI 48178 from 10:30 am. until the funeral Liturgy at 11am.
Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery.