Hornell, NY
Eleanor J. “Ellie” (Trowbridge) Hillman – 95 – of Pardee Street, Hornell, died peacefully Monday morning (June 16, 2025) at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Hornell on February 21, 1930, she was the daughter of the late William & Winifred (Cullinan) Trowbridge.
Eleanor grew up in Hornell and graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1949). She enjoyed working summers and holidays at the former MacBride’s Clothing Store. While living in Scranton, PA, she was employed in the accounting department at the Erie Railroad before moving back to Hornell in the 1960s. She retired as a bank teller at First State Bank in Canisteo, NY. Most importantly, however, she was a devoted stay-at-home mother and homemaker for many years while her children were young.
A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Ellie found joy in the simple things in life. She enjoyed good conversation and was happiest at home, spending time with her family.
She was married on April 25, 1964 to Robert “Bob” Hillman, who predeceased her on September 19, 2018. Eleanor was also preceded in death by her son, James “Jim” Hillman on March 14, 2024; 3 sisters, Norma (Edward) Hartford, Dolores (Raymond) Chapman, & Mary Margaret (William) Havens; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Leo (Isabelle) Hillman & John (Mary) Hillman.
Surviving are her son, David (Kathleen) Hillman of Hornell; daughter, Kim (John) Weyand of Hornell; grandchildren, Sara (Derek) Ras, Robert “RJ” Hillman, Ren Hillman, Shawn (Heidi) Hillman, Jacob Weyand, & Spencer Weyand; great-granddaughter, Eleanor Juliann “Ellie J” Ras; sister-in-law, Rosemary Walton of Ashville, NC; many nieces & nephews.
To honor Eleanor’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at St. Ann’s Cemetery with Father Stan Kacprzak officiating.
Eleanor’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1402, New York, NY 10018 or by visiting https://hdsa.org/hdsacoeuofr/.
Ellie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful care she received from her team at Tender Loving Home Care, especially Lena, Heather, Aimee, Heidi, Kim, Brynn, and Bobbie Jo.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.
Rest well Eleanor…
Aunt Eleanor was a lovely woman and always interested in whatever was going on in our lives. She was a great conversationalist with a ready smile. Rest in Peace
God bless Eleanor and god speed to the whole Hillman family . May her memories be a blessing to you all .I will always remember the fun I had when substituting in their euchre club .
Ellie and Jim Hillman were my grandparents’ neighbors on Pardee Street for the entirety of my childhood until Louis and Julia Bellanca sold the house and moved to Pennsylvania with my aunt, Carol. Our family – my mom and dad (Mary Angela and Pete Winter) and my sister (Tracy) would visit a good number of times each year, but we’d spend a solid amount of time next door in the Hillmans’ pool in their backyard. We were always welcome to let ourselves into the backyard, as both Ellie and Jim made that crystal clear from the moment we arrived to visit. We would swim for hours alongside Ebony, their black lab, whom we always greeted upon arrival, as well – Eb wouldn’t have it any other way, either. Thank you to the Hillmans for your kindness, love, and generosity. Knowing you were next door to our grandparents all those years was a blessing, and I know my memories are sweeter because of you and your family. Sending love and gratitude.