Susan Lillian Hillegeist

Obituary for Susan Lillian Hillegeist

Born: November 30, 1940
Died: July 27, 2025

Susan Lillian Hillegeist lived a life filled with love, generosity, and grace. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and steadfast friend whose warmth and spirit enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, Susan grew up in a small coal-mining town where families worked hard to get by. Though her family’s home had no indoor plumbing until she was eleven, she never considered herself poor—everyone around her was in the same boat. She was the middle of five daughters—Phyllis, JoAnn, Susan, Fern, and Kathy.

Her father, Art Davis, was a hardworking and gregarious coal miner known as “The Senator” for his intelligence, wit, and how he commanded the bar when he was socializing with his fellow volunteer firefighters and miners. Her mother, Lillian, was an exceptional seamstress who worked tirelessly at a local dress factory while also making clothing and comforters for her family. Quiet, disciplined, and loving, she instilled in Susan the values of humility, resilience, thrift, and devotion to family—virtues Susan lived by her entire life.

Susan excelled in school and, at just seventeen, moved to Washington, D.C. Demonstrating extraordinary resilience and perseverance in moving to a new city at such a young age, Susan learned to thrive in her new home. While she worked at the Pentagon, she earned two “Outstanding Performance” awards in her first two years, an unprecedented achievement at the time. Her team supported General Curtis LeMay, who was the founder of the Air Force. And although she was offered a prestigious position as his personal receptionist, she declined, choosing instead a path that would lead her to her greatest joy: her family.

It was during this time that she met Jon, then a student at the University of Maryland. As Jon describes, Susan was the most intelligent person he ever met. Indeed, it was humbling to realize how smart she was. She challenged him and closed many a conversation with a witty comeback. Captivated by her radiant beauty, sparkling eyes, sharp humor, and kind spirit, he soon realized she was someone who would bring laughter, joy, love, and support into his life forever. She was beautiful inside and out. They were married for sixty-five years, a union built on love, mutual respect, and shared adventure. “Grace was in all her steps. Heaven in her eyes. In every gesture, dignity and love.” (John Milton)

Susan supported her husband’s work spending many late nights after seeing her children comfortably put to bed, and sometimes on weekends, on correspondence, managing accounts, and filing. She was a thoughtful advisor. Jon’s work often required travel, so Susan flew solo at home. This partnership and teamwork traveled with them across the country, from Washington DC to Michigan in 1964 where they lived six months in Grand Rapids before relocating to Lansing. From there they moved west in 1968 to Sacramento, California where they settled for good. Without hesitation, Susan moved away from family and close friends to advance her husband’s career. She did not express concern or regret, focused instead on turning their new location into home with new friends. Because of her support, Jon was able to retire early, at age 55. Susan and Jon then enjoyed more time with family and friends and travel.

Susan devoted herself to her family, creating a warm and welcoming home filled with laughter, learning, and love. She attended countless school and sporting events and patiently chauffeured her children and their friends in the family station wagon. She helped knit the growing family together as in-laws and grandchildren arrived. She played a multitude of games with her grandchildren, listened intently to their stories, and cheered them on across the country at sporting events, music concerts, theater performances, and other ventures. During the holidays, she created tasty meals, a welcoming home, and maintained joyous traditions for the extended family. She was all in on family vacations, joining the day’s adventures and seeing that everyone was comfortable. Above all, Susan reveled in time spent together, telling stories, listening, laughing, and contributing with her sharp wit. She always supported her children and grandchildren and delighted in their successes and encouraged them if they struggled. She was, in every sense, the heart and soul of her family.

People were naturally drawn to Susan. Her friends loved spending time with her - playing golf and tennis, watching movies at the theater, going out to lunch or dinner, and taking trips in the Bay area. They knew her to be warm, sweet, fun, and always ready to help and support.

Her love and caring extended far beyond her own household. She volunteered with Father Dan Madigan distributing food to the hungry, read to the blind, served at Loaves and Fishes, staffed the library at Presentation School and the gift shop at Mercy Hospital, and supported her parish in countless ways.

Two stories highlight Susan’s extraordinary compassion and generosity. For several years, she visited her elderly and wheelchair-bound friend Ginny every week to provide companionship. In her early 90’s, Ginny expressed a desire to reconnect with her Catholic faith but was unsure how to proceed. Without hesitation, Susan sprang into action. Although it took a couple times to get Ginny connected with the right priest, Sue persisted, eventually helping her meet Father Wehr at St. Ignatius Parish. Through Susan’s loving care and persistence, Ginny was able to receive the Sacraments of Confession, Confirmation, and Blessing before she passed away, comforted and at peace.

Another dear friend, our next-door neighbor Trudy, a widow, asked Sue over lunch to care for her children if something happened to her. True to her loving and generous nature, Susan agreed without hesitation, knowing Jon would support her. Tragically and unexpectantly, Trudy suffered a brain aneurysm two months later. Facing high risk surgery, Sue held her hand as they wheeled her off to the operating room. Trudy did not survive.

Keeping her promise, Susan and Jon welcomed Trudy’s daughter Amy into their home. Having already endured the loss of both parents, Amy needed stability and love. Susan gave her just that—providing her with guidance, patience, and love during this incredibly difficult time.

Susan also had a spirit of adventure. She and Jon traveled domestically in their own plane and internationally by air and sea to 25 countries. Yet no matter how far she went, her greatest joy was always her family.

Jon often said that in their marriage he was the engine and Susan was the engineer, guiding the family with wisdom, humor, endless love, and devotion.

Susan’s memory will be cherished by her beloved husband Jon; their three children, Jon (Cathy), Carol (Pat) Goldsmith Hillegeist, and Stephen (Sapna) Hillegeist; sister Fern; and seven cherished grandchildren, Tomás and Clarissa Goldsmith; Jordan, Campbell, Sheridan, Rowan, and Darshan Hillegeist. The family and her friends will always remember her sparkling eyes and radiant smile that reflected the inner beauty of her soul. God has gained a special angel. She now joins her parents, her sisters, and her friends in His eternal kingdom.

May God welcome her with open arms. Rest in peace, dear Susan. You remain loved beyond measure, and your legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will live on in all of us.