Barbara A. Hillegas, 78

Barbara A. (Schoenly) Hillegas, wife of the late Robert “Bobby” Hillegas, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026 at her home in Gilbertsville.

Born in Pottstown, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Lillie Mae (Buchert) Schoenly.

Barbara was a 1965 graduate of Boyertown High School and Goldey-Beacom College, in Delaware. Following college, she was a secretary at Kawecki Chemical Corporation. She then went on to become a secretary for the Boyertown Area School District for 30+ years. Upon her retirement, Barbara officially became known as “Nanny”. Barbara spent a great deal of time supporting her grandchildren in the activities they pursued. Outside of being a grandmother, Barbara was a camping enthusiast with Bobby and traveled throughout the United States together. She also enjoyed spending time with her family for Sunday dinners and getting together with her monthly “coffee” group.

Surviving is her son Matthew Hillegas, fiancé of Beth Capperella; son Michael Hillegas, husband of Michelle; sister Ruth Stauffer, wife of Garrett; brother David Schoenly; sister Mary Murrow; grandchildren Lindsay Hillegas, Emily Hillegas, fiancé of Michael Campbell, Chad Hillegas, Morgan Wagner, wife of Zach, and Marissa Hillegas; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 12:00PM at Catagnus Funeral Home (1020 E. Philadelphia Ave, Gilbertsville, PA 19525) with Rev. Eugene Zaiser officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview cemetery in Boyertown. A visitation will also be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 10:00AM-12:00PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boyertown Athletics (https://www.boyertownasd.org/departments/athletics) in Barbara’s name.

Add My Condolences

I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of Barbara. I was a graduate of the class of 1990 and I remember her always being around us and cheering on the Bears! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

~ Courtney (Gift) Cannon Boyertown, PA
9/17/2026 9:46:04 PM

I have many fond memories of my High School classmate and am deeply saddened to learn of her passing. One of the best was of Barbara leading the Boyertown Area High School Marching Unit as the Captain of the Color Guard her Senior year. And as the cowboys say, "she was easy to look at". A very pretty girl.

~ Mark Baver FLOWER MOUND, TX
9/15/2026 12:50:35 PM

I can just picture Barb sitting down on that sofa and telling Bobby to come get her! And you know that he would always listen (most times). As much as I would love to see and hug her and Bobby again, my heart tells me that they are together as they should be! God Bless them and their families! Till we meet again! Love, Judy Dapp Murray and Chip

~ Judy Murray Bradenton, FL
9/14/2026 4:10:20 PM

Will always remember Barbara's laugh and my husband John passing Bob on their mowers during the summer, stopping to have a conversation. Beautiful people. We will miss them.

~ John and Michelle Sakal
9/14/2026 10:59:04 AM

My condolences to the family. Rest in peace, Barbara.

~ Greg Moll
9/13/2026 9:22:24 PM

Sending our thoughts and prayers to the family. Barbara and Bobby were great neighbors. We will definitely miss them in the neighborhood. God bless.

~ Brian and Fran Bolognese
9/13/2026 1:04:47 PM

My condolences to the family. She was a great friend of mine going through high school together .Rest in peace Barbara.

~ D Bruce Lambert Boyertown, PA
9/13/2026 7:05:15 AM

May you rest in peace. The Lord God be with you. Gordon & Justine Gift, North Carolina.

~ Gordon Gift Havelock, NC
9/12/2026 12:36:30 PM

Bob and Barb were so kind to us when we moved to the neighborhood. Godspeed.

~ Robert Paul Minsenberger Gilbertsville, PA
9/12/2026 9:49:40 AM

IF her late husband Bobby is the same man whose grandparents OR friends of Charles Mellon, Elverson Pal I and my late parents Grace & Wilbur Mauger, lived down the road from the Mellons. Every summer that he visited, I as well as some other kids, would play baseball. Mr. Mellon sponsored us kids. You could tell Bobby would be an #1 ball player. I never had the privelege of meeting this fine lady. But I sure God brought them together. My DEEPEST CHRISTIAN sympathy to ALL family & friends.

~ Art Mauger
9/11/2026 3:22:00 PM