Hilary Vivian Kohnert

Hilary Vivian Kohnert, a resident of The Village of Santiago in The Villages Florida, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 22, 2020. She was 84 years old.

Hilary was born in Birkenhead, England. She grew up during WWII and would often tell stories, both serious and comical, about living during this harrowing time. Hilary graduated from Secondary School (the English equivalent of high school) at the age of 15. While working as a switch board operator on an American Air Force Base/RAF Station in Wales, she met her husband Fred at a dance. They married and had their first child in England and then they subsequently moved to the United States where they had their second child in Illinois. Hilary often went back to England where her parents resided. After her husband’s retirement from the Air Force in 1977, Hilary lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hilary worked for 15 years and retired from Saks Fifth Avenue as a top salesperson in women’s shoes. Hilary and Fred then moved to The Villages, Florida in 1999 where she resided until she passed.

Hilary had a great sense of humor, a zest for life, and a true love for her family and friends. She could easily make friends and make them feel like they had known each other for years. Hilary was very generous and often helped those in need.

Hilary loved traveling. She traveled to many different countries over the years and was able to find local open-air markets in the area for shopping. She also enjoyed trying local cuisines. At home, Hilary loved gardening and was very artistic. She enjoyed designing the interior of each of her homes and was often found watching DIY home decorating shows. She loved to play Bingo and would often encourage others to play with her, especially her daughter.

Hilary is survived by her husband of 64 years Fred, her daughter and son-in law Carol and Bob Kunz, her son and daughter in-law Stephen and Delia Kohnert, and her grandchildren Stephanie Kunz and Adam Kunz. She was preceded in death by her father and mother Albert and Mona Turner.

The family will conduct a Celebration of Life in Hilary’s memory at a later date to be determined. Memorial donations may be made to Hilary’s favorite organizations: The Shriner’s Hospital for Children and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.