Rosanne J. Hiller
Obituary
Rosanne J. Hiller, cherished “Rosebud,” mother, and “Meemo,” passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on September 20, 2024 in Selden, New York.
Rosanne leaves her daughters Tracey Hiller and Kimberly Mikelinich, grandchildren Christopher, Mary Kate, Rosalie, Joseph, and Madison, and great-grandchildren Scarlett and Damien. Rosanne is predeceased by her son, Richard T. Hiller, and loving husband, Richard V. Hiller.
Born and raised in Corona, Queens, Rosanne was the pride and joy of her parents, Joseph (“Boogie”) and Julia (“Jules”) Nemec. After graduating from St. Agnes Academic High School, Rosanne studied Radiographic Technology at the Eastern School for Physicians’ Aides. An intrinsic caregiver, Rosanne began working as a cardiovascular and X-ray technician in Manhattan, N.Y., a role that would set in motion a life-long commitment to selflessly serving others.
In the late 1950s, Rosanne and her friends piled into the backseat of a car in Queens, where she caught the attention of the driver and future love of her life, Richard V. Hiller. The couple married in 1961 before welcoming their eldest, Tracey, and moving to their home in Commack, N.Y., where they enjoyed 58 wonderful years. There, Rosanne and Richard V. added Kimberly and Richard T. to the Hiller family, and wholeheartedly embraced what it meant to be adoring hockey parents.
If caring for her family was Rosanne’s first love, caring for those in need was a close second. In the 70s, Rosanne began working as a mental health technician at Kings Park Psychiatric Center. She then transitioned to serving as a “bridger” for psychiatric outpatients to enable their reintegration into society. Rosanne could be found spending hours alongside those she worked with and enjoying every minute – from accompanying them to the bank and grocery store, to teaching them how to balance a checkbook and keep a schedule. Above all else, Rosanne found immense joy in giving them hope, and expressed what a pleasure it was to have patients go from “I’m really not worth it” to “yes I am, yes I am.”
Even on the days when no one was in need of caretaking, Rosanne oozed warmth. She smiled with her whole face, enveloped entire hearts in her hugs, and was a best-in-class front door greeter. Through the antique oddities she gave purpose to, the plant clippings only she could will to life, and the never-too-buttery meals she prepared, Rosanne had a gift for making everything and everyone feel at home. Her family will miss her unconditional love and boundless enthusiasm indefinitely.
We invite friends and family to join us for a joint Funeral Mass for both Richard V. and Rosanne on Saturday, October 12th at St. Anthony’s Church in East Northport, NY at 10:30 AM.
Here at Commack Abbey, Inc., we take pride in the fact that we have created an environment in which you and your loved ones will feel comfortable in your hour of need.
Here at Commack Abbey, Inc., we take pride in the fact that we have created an environment in which you and your loved ones will feel comfortable in your hour of need.