Catherine Hall Hilyard, duPont retiree

Catherine H. “Kitty” Hilyard, 79, of Hockessin, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2012, at her residence.

Kitty was born in Wilmington, daughter of the late Theodore and Helena Hall. She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1950. Kitty worked for the duPont Company for several years until she began her family which was most important to her along with raising her two precious Schnauzers, Michelle Craig and Midnight Blythewood Raven, both deceased. She was a member of many health and animal welfare organizations and was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Kitty was a devoted and loving wife and mother.

Kitty is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 57 years, John C.; three daughters, Tara H. Weik and her husband Joseph, of Greenville, Kimberly H. West, of Lewes and Beth L. Hilyard of Wilmington; and two grandsons, Matthew and Jonathan Weik, both of Greenville. Kitty is also survived by her two brothers, Richard Hall and Samuel Hall. She is predeceased by her brother Theodore Hall Jr .

The family would like to express a special thank you to Delaware Hospice and a very special thank you to the aides who assisted Mrs. Hilyard, Jennifer Crossan, Joanne Knight and Lisa Whitlow.

Friends are invited to attend a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 8, at Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m., Friday, March 9, at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin. Interment will follow at Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Bear.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice Inc., 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810, or Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.