Virginia Hilman

A fighter to the end, Virginia Espiritu Bautista Hilman, surrounded by her family, peacefully passed away on December 18, 2011 at the age of 89. Born in Masantol, Pampanga, Philippines on December 2, 1922, Virginia came to the United States on August 8, 1960 with her surviving Husband of 51 years, Retired Master Chief Paul Alfred Hilman. A family flourished under the guidance and love of its matriarch; Virginia is survived by her six children: Virginia Janet Hilman Sullivan of Maryville (Steven Sullivan), Blanche Pauline Hilman of Benicia, CA (Joe Brien), Harvey Paul Hilman of Maryville, Fredesminda McNeely of Munster, IN, Retired Brigadier General Oscar Hilman of Tacoma, WA (Patty), Natividad Blanco of Las Vegas, NV (Gene). Thirteen grandchildren were blessed to have her, whether they called her Grandma or Lula: Daniel Sullivan, Alex, Arielle and Gilbert Brien, Derek, Robbie, Ronnie, Jun, Arlene, Joy, Edwin, Trish, and Gina (Virginia). Her legacy lives on through her 17 great-grandchildren. A member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Virginia was a woman of unshakable faith. She inspired her family, friends, and countless acquaintances with her love, devotion, and joy. Those that have shared a smile and many laughs with her are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Fatima on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. to remember this unforgettable Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend. A procession will follow the service to Grandview Cemetery for the interment. A reception will follow at Smith's Life Event Center, 1404 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 858 Louisville Road, Alcoa, TN 37701. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Virginia Hilman please visit our Sympathy Store.