Alice Ann Hill, Hollywood socialite governess
Alice Ann Hill of Lewes died peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Known as “Nanny Ali” from her professional calling, she was born in Wilmington Nov. 8, 1943, to the late Marvin Watson Hill and Alice Ann Flood Hill.
Ali was raised in Wilmington and graduated from Saint Elizabeth School. At 19, she completed training from an elite British Governess program in New York City. Her first assignment as a qualified governess was for the Astor family in NYC. Other prominent assignments to regional socialite families on the Eastern Seaboard included the Kennedys and DuPont’s. As prestigious assignments continued, Ali moved many times, including to Florida working for the McIntosh family (A&P) and Los Angeles, working for the Bogart family (Casablanca Records).
With a fun and loving personality, Ali’s duties immersed her in the jet-setting lives of her clients and their children. Dear friends included disco singer Donna Summer and actress Judith Chapman of television and movie fame. Globe-trotting travel assignments took Ali around the world.
For Ali, a fond memory was of actress Goldie Hawn who asked the governess agency, "Do you have a funny girl with a personality?" Ali was interviewed by Goldie and Kurt Russell and hired on the spot. She cared for Goldie’s children Oliver and Kate Hudson, and then Wyatt Russell, born in 1986. Ali was on set during the filming of “Overboard”. You can see her in the scene at the mini golf course, holding baby Wyatt!
This position worked well for Ali, bringing her close to family near San Francisco. Ali stayed in California for many years, with assignments in Los Angeles bringing her into the homes of entertainment stars, including musicians and television and film actors.
Ali “retired” to Lewes, living near her large Delaware family. True to her nature, she quickly returned to caring. Ali cared for pets, working at the Neverland Kennel. She continued caring for children of local relatives and friends. Her last full-time “Nanny” job was for the daughter of her employer at the kennel.
In her last days, Ali recalled working for Goldie and Kurt, and her friendship with Judith among her fondest memories. Judith Chapman kept in constant touch. Goldie and Wyatt Russell sent messages of condolence and love for Ali.
Ali is survived by loving families in California and throughout Delaware, and her two cats, Tango and Salem. She was especially proud of her godchildren, Jonathan, Kara, Maya and Athena.
A memorial service is planned with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., Friday April 17, at St. Jude The Apostle Church, 153 Tulip Drive Lewes, with Mass following at 11 am.
Ali dedicated her life and career to caring for children. Donations in memory of Alice, may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html, or call (800) 213-6584.
