Mary Therese Hill

Mary Therese Hill, age 97 of Appleton, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 17, 2026. Mary was born on June 4, 1928, the only child of George and Genevieve “Gen” (Murphy) Niles. Mary attended St. Joseph Catholic School and later graduated from Appleton Senior High School in 1946. Mary then worked as a legal secretary at Integrity Mutual. Mary met the love of her life, James “Jim” Francis Hill, son of Frank and Anna (Wrobleski) Hill on V-J Day, 1945. Jim and Mary married on May 9th, 1953. After 45 wonderful years of marriage, Jim passed away in 1998.

Jim and Mary had four daughters. Three of the four daughters were born on September 5th, making that day quite a celebration each year at the Hill residence. Mary’s family was her pride and joy and she poured her heart into every aspect of their lives. This love continued as Mary was blessed with eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mary really enjoyed traveling with her family. Some of her favorite travels were the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, Disneyland and Disney World, many spring breaks to Cocoa Beach in Florida, and fulfilling a lifetime dream to vacation in Hawaii. Mary loved spending more than 50 summers at Shawano Lake with family and friends. Some of her favorite times were golfing, fishing, and weekend campfires.

Mary was a lifelong member at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Her strong faith gave her much comfort throughout her life. Mary was very active in the church. She was involved in the Christian Mothers’ Group, Senior Committee, St. Joseph Food Program, bingo events, and a Fellowship Group which led to lifelong friends. Mary enjoyed her seven years volunteering with first graders at Highlands Elementary. Mary was an animal lover and treasured her furry friends: Poochie, Tammy, Penny, and Tasha.

Mary will be deeply missed by her four daughters, Suzanne (Joe) Vosters, Nancy Freude (Kurt Schultz), Julianne (Phil) Janssen, and Ann (Joe) Hameister; her grandchildren, Ben (Kayla) Vosters, Sara (Geoff) Roehrig, Daniel (Megan) Vosters, Michael Freude, Jennifer Freude, Nick (Lauren) Janssen, and Megan Janssen; her great-grandchildren, Bennett, Norah, Leo, Louis, Liam, and Olivia; her special nephew and Godchild, Paul Hill; as well as many other extended relatives and dear friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; her son-in-law, Bill Freude; her granddaughter, Ella Marie Hameister; and her in-laws, Edward (Becky) Hill, Francis (Joyce) Hill, Ory (Dan) Piette, and Jean (Bob) Klapper.

A funeral visitation will be held for Mary from 9-11 AM on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 404 W. Lawrence St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11 AM. Mary will be laid to rest alongside her husband at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Food Program or the Fox Valley Humane Association in respect to Mary’s wishes.

Mary’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Renaissance Assisted Living for their kindness and loving care they showed to Mary every day.

Mary was ageless, energetic, and very sharp until her passing. She had a zest for life and her Irish eyes were always smiling. We will miss you, mom!