Obituary of Regina R. Hilbert

Regina Rose Brown Dever Hilbert of Boothwyn, PA was called back home to God on August 25, 2018.

Regina was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 10, 1927 to Ellen Cavanaugh Brown and Leo Brown. She was the second of three children, born in between brothers Leo and Larry. From a young age, Regina was close to her many aunts and beloved uncles who animated her early life and instilled in her a love of music and theater. The U.S. entered WWII during her freshman year of high school and her father's assignment as commander of a Merchant Marine ship took the family to East Landsdowne, PA to be closer to her mother's family. At Notre Dame High School in Moylan, PA Regina cultivated her beautiful singing voice as a member of Glee Club and Choir; she graduated in 1945 and soon moved to Southwest Philadelphia where she became a member of St. Clement Parish.

As a single mother of six children, Regina had many jobs both inside and outside of the home. Her children were the center of her world and were a source of never-ending happiness, laughter, songs and stories. She was most proud of her 15 year career in the U.S. Army Recruiting Command where she had many close colleagues and encouraged and reassured many new recruits from all over the country. She was proud to serve her country in this role and was a steadfast patriot throughout her life.

In 1976 Regina married the love of her life Donald F. Hilbert; Regina welcomed his three sons and their growing families into hers. In 1978, they joined Holy Savior-St. John Fisher Parish in Boothwyn, PA. Regina and Don loved parish life and became omni-present at their church. Regina was never one to sing or speak softly, and her voice, infused with her faith, was resonate throughout the church through her enthusiastic roles in the choir and as lector. Regina served as the parish school's first secretary. She brought communion to the sick, trained altar servers and Eucharistic ministers and enjoyed teaching Baptism and RCIA classes. In retirement, parish life was her vocation and was a source of great fulfillment.

Among Regina's favorite things: all things Irish, Philadelphia sports teams, mysteries, classic movies (they don't make them like they used to!), her many Collies, Earl Gray tea, music of all kinds, and Don's home-cooked meals. Her toughness was only matched by her love for her family - and she was tough. Everyone knew her toughness was wrapped in love and her dedication and guidance inspired others to live lives of integrity. She never missed sending a card on birthdays and offered up many prayers through the "Pink Sisters." She loved holiday parties and instilled in her family the love of music, faith, and the joys of being together. Regina enjoyed traveling and was blessed to have visited Ireland and many places in the U.S. She savored time with her sorority sisters who enjoyed playing kazoos and dancing.

In her later years, Regina's health limited her mobility and her ability to do many things she loved including participating in her parish community, yet her faith and her devotion to life and to living each daily fully remained until her last day on Earth. She will be sorely missed, and never forgotten.

Regina is survived by her children Denise R.Gilmore, Elizabeth Wilson, Stephanie Gaboda(Dan), Eileen Sheridan (George), Paul Dever (Jennifer), 21 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. She is also survived by Don's children Michael Hilbert (Anahid), Jim Hilbert (Donna), Bob Hilbert (Mary). Surviving life-long friends and sorority sisters include Cass Guinan, Ann Bassett and Louise Tierney. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Hilbert and her beloved daughter Marie Ellen Dever.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, 9:30-10:30AM at St. John Fisher Church, 4225 Chichester Ave., Boothwyn, PA followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30AM. Interment will be held at a later date at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler, PA. Donations in Regina's memory may be made to either Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (www.adorationsisters.org) or Sisters of Mercy (www.sistersofmercy.org).