Barbara Hilliker
ISHPEMING TWP, MI- Barbara Hilliker, age 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2024, while residing at the Mill Creek Memory Care Facility under the loving care of her children, UP Home Health and Hospice and Memory Care Aids at Mill Creek.
Barbara was born in Turin Township, Michigan on June 24, 1940, daughter to the late Agnes (Gauthier) and Harry Marcotte.
Barb met her future husband Robert Hilliker while he was stationed at K.I. Sawyer Airforce base and married on July 7, 1962, and resided in Ishpeming. Barb worked as a meat wrapper at multiple local grocery stores throughout her career prior to retiring. Following her retirement, she volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul in Ishpeming working in the food pantry. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and shared her love of singing while participating in both the church and funeral choir. She loved to spend time outdoors and spent time walking, hiking, kayaking, and tending to her flower gardens in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. She could be found at a local school gym on Monday evenings playing volleyball. If you found yourself on her team you had better bring your “A Game” as losing was not an option.
Barb is survived by her son Todd (Becky) Hilliker of American Folk, Utah, three daughters Barbie (John) Taisto of Ishpeming, Renee (Gordy Hendrickson) Hilliker of Marquette, Mary (Eric) Baldwin of Ishpeming, MI; six grandchildren Mandy, Melisa, Kyle, Tyson, Mackenzie, Madison; five great-grandchildren Hailey, Aiden, Connor, Luke, and Tayson.
She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents, grandson Derek, four brothers, and two sisters.
Barb’s family would like to extend a thank you to the staff who cared for her over the past two years while she resided in memory care with a special thank you to Kelly, Mari, Ava, Crystal, Savannah, Emily, Maddie, and Jackie.
Honoring Barb’s wishes, cremation will take place, and a private family service will be held in the summer when her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will gather to celebrate her life.
Memorial considerations may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, 322 Cleveland Ave. Ishpeming, MI 49849 in memory of Barbara.
Barb’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.