Nelly Hillenbrands

Visitation

Sep 6, 2022

Biography

Nelly Hillenbrands nee Defort, age 86; Born May 19, 1936 to Emil and Magdalena Defort. She traveled to the United States with her family on the ship, the General Hersey when she was 16 years old. She was married to the late Hermann Hillenbrands in 1956. Nelly was the devoted mother to Marianne (Jim) Berned, Charlotte Miller, Paula (John) Niklewicz and the late Barbara; Loving grandmother of James and Kathlena Berned; Loving Oma of Jocelyn Miller, Emily and Julia Niklewicz and great grandmother of Ryder, Delany and Olivia; Dear sister of Marga Schon, Peter (Helen) Defort and the late Leopold (Elisabeth) Defort; She leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. She was very loved by her favorite 4 legged family members; Winnie, Rolo, Mocha and Brunie. Nelly’s favorites – Her neighbors, knitting of all sorts especially newborn hats for babies at Condell Hospital, slicing deli meat at Dominick’s and Edelweiss, daily walks down the block, playing rummy and a mean winning game of mensch ärgere dich nicht. She would often share her wonderful pierogi and kolacky with friends and family. Visitation Tuesday, Sept. 6th 9:30 am until time of funeral, 10:45 am at The Oaks Funeral Home 1201 E. Irving Park Road (at Prospect), Itasca to Saint Celestine Church. Mass 11:30 am. Interment Saint Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ascension Hospice Residence or Mercy Home for Boys and Girls would be appreciated. For funeral info: 630-250-8588 or www.oaksfh.com