Irene Hillner passed away peacefully at Hannah Duston Health Care after living vibrantly to the age of 97. A devoted sister, wife, and mother, she will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have her in their lives. 

Irene was raised in Lawrence by Blanche Kochanczyk and John Kobos, among eight siblings. She graduated with distinction from Bryant McIntosh School of Business, and lent her talents to Watts Regulator Co. as the Executive Secretary and later the IRS. She was a devout member of Holy Trinity Church, where she played the organ on Sundays. Her musicality found its way into family gatherings and even the nursing home where she stayed, as she continued to play piano polkas for delighted audiences late into her life. Irene also loved to write, and often shared her poems with friends and family. Several were published locally. 

Irene cared deeply for her family, and spent much of her life as the caretaker for her brothers, alongside her dear sister, Eugenia. She was a loving and compassionate wife, mother, and grandmother, and those who survive her continue to feel the impact of her care and devotion. She was a true “go-getter”, always running errands and helping others, maintaining her infectious vitality throughout life. Irene even hiked to Cathedral Ledge and rode a rollercoaster with her grandchildren while in her late seventies.

Irene is predeceased by her husband, William Hillner, sister Eugenia Nowicki, and brothers Joseph, Charles, Edward, Mitchell, and Stanley Kobos. She is survived by brothers, John and Frank Kobos; her children, John Hillner and wife Ann, Dorothy Hillner, and Mark Hillner and wife Marilyn; her grandchildren, Dr. Adam Hillner, Capt. Benjamin Hillner U.S.A., Julie Hillner, and Allison Hillner, and sisters-in-law, Judith Hillner and Theresa Hillner, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Burial services will be private with a future memorial service to be announced. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the M.S.P.C.A, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA, 01844. 

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com or www.facebook.com/DewhirstFuneralHome

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