Shirley E. (Johnson) Hillhouse, 92, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House in Flagler Beach, Florida after a brief illness. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of George A. and Elsa G.M. (Swenson) Johnson and graduated from North High School and then the Worcester Art Museum School of Art in 1942. She lived in Holden with her husband until they moved to Flagler Beach in 1986.
Her husband of 48 years, James W. Hillhouse III, passed away in 1992. She leaves a son, David Hillhouse and his wife Renate of Holden; two daughters, Elizabeth N. and her husband Dr. Jesse Pendleton of Virginia Beach, VA and Nancy Johnson and her husband Donald of Rochester, MI; a sister, Bette Gowing and her husband Robert of Flagler Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Beth Westefer and her husband Paul of Los Angeles, CA, Jessica Parks and her husband Andrew of Fairfax, VA and Erik Hillhouse and his wife Tracy of Springfield; two great-grandchildren, Naya Parks and Adelaide Hillhouse; and nephews and nieces.
Shirley was the public relations director for the YWCA in Worcester before retiring. Previously, she was a fashion illustrator for Sherers, Ulians and Filene’s Department Stores. She illustrated two books on fashion design, “Dress Selections and Design” by Marion S. Hillhouse and “Dress Design: Draping and Flat Pattern Making” by Marion S. Hillhouse and Evelyn A. Mansfield. She was an avid photographer and an accomplished pianist. Shirley along with her husband Jim was well known for their handcrafted and hand painted miniature furniture. She was a member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts, but her greatest joy was being surrounded by her loving family.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour on Friday, June 1, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., followed by a service at 1:30 p.m. in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Hospital HospiceCare, Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House, 770 W. Granada Blvd., Suite 304, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.