Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 13, 2026

On September 13, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the wake of a stroke and after the blessing of a precious few days surrounded by her beloved family, Donna Lynn (Sargent) Hillier passed away peacefully at home into the waiting arms of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Donna was predeceased on October 29, 2025 by her loving and devoted husband of 61 years, William (Bill) James Hillier. Donna is survived by her beloved children Penny (Rob) Hillier-Ward of Oakville, Ontario, Todd (Perry) Hillier of San Antonio, Texas, and Colleen (Daniel) Cook of Charlotte, North Carolina. She will forever remain the cherished ‘Nana’ of her 7 grandchildren: Spencer (Dorothy) Ward, Shelby Ward and partner Jacob Zhang, Elizabeth, Emma, and William Cook, and Harrison and Fitzgerald Hillier. Donna is also survived by her dear older brother Frank Sargent, brother-in-laws John (MaryBelle) Hillier and Keith McKee, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her proud and devoted parents, Violet and Arthur Sargent, her dear brothers Norman (Helen) and Bruce and her cherished sisters Vicky (Gerry) Westbrook, Connie (Don) Chapman, and Pat (Wilf) Postil.

The youngest of 7 children, Donna was born on January 23, 1943 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Not long after she was born, her family moved to Sarnia, Ontario, a small town at the base of Lake Huron. It was here, growing up and spending time along the lake’s shoreline, witnessing countless sunsets across the water, that she came to refer to herself as a “water person.” Wherever she went in the world, she felt the most peaceful and in touch with her Lord and Saviour, the people she loved, and her own hopes and dreams when she was near the water. The years she spent in Sarnia, her many getaways with Bill and her family to various shorelines around the world, and her annual pilgrimage to Siesta Key with sister Pat and her husband Wilf did much to feed her in body, mind, and spirit.

Donna met Bill, the love of her life, in high school in Sarnia where she was an excellent student, a gifted athlete, and a faithful servant of Christ. She married Bill on August 29, 1964 after he graduated from Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Their wedding date marked the beginning of an epically beautiful love story that took them from Sarnia to Edmonton, Alberta where Bill completed his MSc and then to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they welcomed their daughter Penelope (Penny) and son Todd. Bill’s transfer to Suncor’s refinery in Sarnia in 1975 brought them back to their roots and soon after they welcomed their daughter Colleen. They remained in Sarnia for many years before transfers took them to Toronto and Houston, Texas, finally retiring in Hendersonville and later Charlotte, North Carolina. Wherever they went, they went there knowing ‘it had to be you.’

No matter where she lived, Donna found ways to be active in her church and her community. She was highly introspective when it came to her relationship with God and allowed Him to guide how she shared His love. Her creativity added beauty to the sanctuary when she served on the Alter Guild at St. Francis-in-the-Fields and her baking was always gratefully received at United Churches in Camlachie, Sarnia, and Thornhill. If there was ever a family facing a storm, she was there with a meal or some of her baking. She lead the ‘Suppers for Seniors’ program at Thornhill United Church with great devotion and later joined a similar team at MDPC in Houston. The clergy and those who gathered praised her good works but, as was her way, she remained humble and grateful to be able to serve others. She enjoyed weekly bible study groups and when not tending to matters of faith and family, was an avid tennis player, animal lover, quilter, chef, baker, and gardener. She delighted in “calling the lines”, trying new recipes (even when she had so many tried-and-true ones), and, being but one course shy of the ‘Master Gardener’, tending to her gardens. Of note, unfortunately, none of us inherited her ‘Green Thumb.’

Donna wore many hats throughout her life and she relished them all for different reasons but ‘Mom’ and later ‘Nana’ and ‘Nanners’ were the ones that made her heart sing. NOTHING gave her more joy than time spent together with Bill, her kids and their spouses, and her grandkids. When asked in May of this year what she was most proud of in her life she said, without hesitation,“my family.” She loved gathering up her people, always making sure the meals she prepared included the favourites of those present. The magic that came out of her kitchen door can best be described as her ‘love language.’ She put her needs for nourishment aside and needed to know “you got enough?” She will be remembered ALWAYS for the profound love and unwavering devotion she brought to her family, her highly compassionate nature, her intelligence and creativity, and the enthusiasm with which she cheered on those who were blessed to be among her people. May she rest in peace and may her warm and caring spirit live on through the lives of all those she touched with her love and kindness.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the entire team at Amada Senior Care for the wonderfully compassionate care provided to “Ms. Donna” over the past year, especially in her final few months. Brad Smith, Loretta Johnson, and Ivy Palmer, in particular, were absolute Godsends and we appreciate EVERY “Brand New Day” and EVERY “Happy Hour” they gave her.

A funeral for Donna will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. Please wear something pink or floral in her honour. A Celebration of Life for both Donna and Bill will be held in Sarnia at a later date.  The family welcomes expressions of sympathy to the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, a local animal shelter, or a charity of choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.