WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Barbara Anne Hills, age 59, of Springfield, Va., and a former Sturgis resident, passed away Sunday morning, Jan. 8, 2012, at Hospice of Chesapeake in Linthicum, Md., following a yearlong battle with cancer.
She was born Feb. 6, 1952, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Robert and Mary Charlotte (Oliphant) Hills.
Barbara was a graduate of Holy Angels Catholic School and Sturgis High School with the class of 1970. Her lifelong interest in commercial art began with a work-study program in which she shared time between Sturgis High School and GM Lithograph of Sturgis. She later moved to the Washington, D.C., area, where she worked for graphics firms in Alexandria, Va. In 1990, she accepted a position with the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s Knowledge Services Department, where she served as a visual communications specialist until her death. Her graphic design work won numerous awards and other professional recognition.
Barbara enjoyed her Springfield home overlooking wooded parkland and doted on her cats, Toby and Melon. She was a fan of classic rock and roll music, frequently attending concerts with friends.
She is survived by three brothers, Robert Hills of Edgewater, Md., Charles Hills of Houston, Texas and Patrick Hills of Alexandria, Va.; six nephews and five nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Sharon Pierson.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass celebrating the life of Barbara Hills will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Father German Perez-Diaz will officiate.
A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Barbara’s memory consider the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
