Obituary of Colleen Hillard

Colleen Marie Hillard, 56, of Chillicothe died Saturday, February 24, 2018 at her home after bravely battling cancer for over 11 years. Colleen was born in Peoria on February 13, 1962, to the late William R. and Theresa M. (Murray) Ward. She married Ken Hillard on November 4, 1988 in Peoria. He survives. Colleen is also survived by her beloved daughter Erin M. (Aaron) Humphreys of Chillicothe; two Grandsons, Kenny and Sammy Dennis of Chillicothe; two Step-grandchildren, Alexis and Alton Humphreys of Chillicothe; her brother Pat (Kitty) Ward, her sister Kathy (Wally) Harper, and her brother Tim (Sue) Ward, all of Peoria. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Colleen dearly loved her entire family. She talked of them often and fondly. Colleen attended St. Vincent DePaul School and graduated from Bergan High School in 1980. She worked at KZ93 Radio Station, Lovan’s Pharmacy, Multi Ad, Jumer’s, and Holiday Inn. She was also a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant for over 30 years. She was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Chillicothe, where she served on the Liturgy, AandE, and Bereavement Committees. She also helped coordinate the Annual Peoria Santa Claus Parade for over 20 years. Colleen loved God, music, animals, and sports. (Especially those involving her grandsons.) Most of all, Colleen loved people -All God’s People- big and small. She made it hard not to love her back and never knew a stranger. Her vibrant and outgoing personality will be badly missed. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Chillicothe. Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home on Friday, March 2, 2018 from 4:00-8:00pm, as well as for one hour before the funeral at the church. A rosary will be prayed at 3:30pm before the visitation at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home on Friday. Memorials may be made to St. Edward School or Church, St. Jude, or Illinois Cancer Care.