Katherine Hillman

Katherine Hillman, aged 69, died peacefully on February 18, 2021, surrounded by family in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a spirited, beloved lady that brought joy, laughs and memories to those around her, and who was generous and caring with friends and family alike. She was deeply loved, and will be dearly missed, as she left an indelible mark on the lives of those around her. Kathy was born in 1951 in Hartford, Connecticut, where she spent most of her childhood. She later moved to Tucson, Arizona and graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1969. In her adult years, she lived in Salt Lake City and Phoenix with her family. She spent her decades-long career at Xerox in various administrative management and financial roles, where she developed many lifelong friendships. As a retiree, she enjoyed dedicating time to local Democratic causes, charitable endeavors, and social circles with neighborhood friends. Her greatest joy in life was being a dedicated mother, and she was extraordinarily proud of her daughter Erin, and step-daughters Tamara and Tera. She was a wonderful and engaged mom who served as a remarkable role model and friend. She loved deeply and will always be remembered for her trademark phrase - ‘Remember who you are and what you stand for!’ She is preceded in death by her father Robert Barry, step-father Dorval Despres, step-mother Claudette Barry, and sisters Marianne and Sandra Barry. She is survived by her mother, Marion Despres, brothers Timothy Barry and Todd Hamm, step-brother John Barry, daughter Erin Bashaw, step-daughters Tamara Curtis and Tera Hoffman, former husband Richard Hillman, and many beloved extended family members. A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice of the Valley Arizona (www.hov.org).