Patricia E. Hilling

Patricia E. (Ionato) Hilling, age 76, of Lakeville, Pa passed away on Saturday, November 18,2023 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Somerset in Somerville, N.J.

Pat was born in Englewood, N.J on October 21, 1947, to the late Edward and Julia (Waskiewicz) Ionato. Pat grew up in Fort Lee, N.J. and attended Fort Lee High School before studying at The Juilliard School of music in NYC. She was an avid piano player and singer. She was an entertainer at heart. During her early career, she sang on various cruise ships. She lived in Hawaii, for a while, and sang in supper clubs.

Pat resided in Cresskill, NJ for many years before moving in 1999 to Lakeville, PA., with her husband, Ernest. Pat worked part-time at a local store, the Trading Post What Knots in Hawley, Pa.

Pat had a soft spot for her furry friends, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were. She loved Pomeranians, owning more than 10 in her adult life. Her home in Lakeville, PA was surrounded by woods and Pat loved to feed the wildlife, especially the deer. They would follow her around the back yard as she was putting feed down.

Pat was a key punch operator at Prentice Hall. Working for the company for many years. She worked for the Disney Store in Paramus, N.J as a greeter. It was the perfect job for Pat as she was able to sing all day and speak to people.

Pat loved shopping at Walmart. It was partially a social event for her, as she spent most of her time talking with neighbors and making new friends. Pat enjoyed crafts and gardening. Pat and her husband were avid carnival glass collectors, attending conventions to buy and sell the glass.

We couldn’t have asked for a better person and will miss Pat every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. She was very kind to all and very giving.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years Ernest C. Hilling, Jr. She is survived by her brother Richard Ionato and his wife Nancy of Hamilton, N.J, her niece Dana Ionato of NY, NY; two stepdaughters, Lisa Hilling and her wife Anne of Somerville N.J, Jennifer Hilling-Czaplinski and her husband Eric of Point Pleasant, N.J; one stepson Todd Hilling and his girlfriend Cassandra of Coal Center, Pa., Four grandchildren; Fin Czaplinski and Taylor, McKenna and Liam Hilling. The family would like to thank her friend and neighbor, Jo Anna Van Tine of Lakeville, Pa. for the wonderful care and friendship she provided to Pat.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can made to the Alzheimer’s Association or NAMI (Advocacy, Education and Support for families affected by mental illness).

Services pending at George Washington Memorial Park.