Rita Hillengas

Hillengas, Rita L.

(Hofmayr)

Rochester: October 6, 2017 at age 98. Born in Rochester, New York on May 18, 1919, daughter of Louis J. and Rubertha (Dow) Hofmayr. Married in Rochester, New York September 26, 1946 to Ellison G. Hillengas. Graduate of Nazareth Academy.

Worked as a telephone operator for Rochester Telephone Corporation, a counselor for Gannett Newspapers (Times Union), a school crossing guard for the Rochester Police Department, and a poll watcher for the Monroe County Board of Elections. A long term volunteer in the adult to student reading program for the Hilton School District; and an active parishioner and regular volunteer at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Rita was a member of the Knights of St. John Ladies Auxiliary, the Democratic Club, Board of Elections, the Senior Group at Sacred Heart Cathedral, and a Trustee of the Rochester Public Library. Her pastimes included music, the theater, bowling, golf, reading, crossword puzzles, cards, and socializing with young and old.

Pre-deceased by her husband, Ellison; her parents; her sister, Helen (Stanley Waffle); and her brothers-in-law, Jack (Fannie), Eddie (Millie), and Howie (Evelyn) Hillengas. Survived by her four children, their spouses, and eleven grandchildren - Richard (Susan O'Brien), Mardy and Maeve; Carl and Diana Hillengas, Anna, Julia, and Zoe; Elaine (Joseph) Iabone, Sarah, and Emily; Bernard (Nancy), Meagan, Jonathan, Geoffrey, and Nicholas; eleven nieces and nephews, and the spouses of four grandchildren.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, October 27th, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 28th at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Rite of Committal follows, All Souls Chapel, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cathedral Community The DeVany Fund in her memory. Contact Carla Palumbo at carly1002@aol.com or 585-647-4072. To share a special memory of Rita, please visit: http://farrell-ryan.com/tribute/details/565/Rita-Hillengas/obituary.html#tribute-start

"To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven."

- Ecclesiastes