Obituary of Sandra L. Hillman

September 17, 1945 - December 5, 2017

Sandra L. Hillman. Age 72 of Wyandotte.

Beloved wife of Keith Hillman. Loving mother of Chris (Donna) Hillman and Nicole (James) Kamin. Dearest grandmother of Derek Hillman, Elaina Hillman and Sara Kamin. Dear sister of Vonnie (the late Edward) Gralinski and Jack (the late Margie) Hengtgen. Also survived by father in law Donald K. Hillman, Sr. Preceded in death by parents Roy and Florence Hengtgen, brother Marlon (the late Nancy) Hengtgen and mother in law Luethisia Hillman.

Memorial contributions to the Wyandotte Animal Shelter are appreciated.

FAMILY TRIBUTE

Sandy Lee Hengtgen was born September 17, 1945 to Florence (Westerlund) and Roy N. Hengtgen.  She lived in Dearborn, Michigan during her elementary and high school years, moving to New York City in 1966 for several years where she worked at Columbia University.  She returned home to Dearborn, Michigan from the Big Apple in June 1968, intending it to be a brief stay, planning to return to New York City.  While back in Michigan she met her husband-to-be, Keith Hillman.  Her sister-in-law, Nancy Hengtgen, introduced them in her home on a blind date in November 1968.  Sandy said when she met Keith, she felt he was the one she was meant to fall in love with.  While she and Keith were dating, she worked for Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone law firm in Detroit, Michigan.

Sandy and Keith decided to take their commitment of love to each other to another level and were married on February 14, 1970.  That began Sandy’s role as a wife at the age of 25.  Keith saw that she was a beautiful, vibrant woman with a loving and generous heart.  Instead of using her many talents continuing to pursue a career in the business field, she decided she would use those talents to direct her energies toward being a homemaker.  In 1970, her wish of becoming a mother came true.  Her first child to be born was a son, Christopher Keith.  Five years later she was blessed with another child, a daughter, Nicole Renae.  While she was enjoying her role as a wife and a mother, Keith’s career with the railroad required them to move to Battle Creek, Michigan.  After six years they moved back to the Detroit area where they resided in Allen Park, Michigan and later in Westland, Michigan.  In 1991, Keith’s job with the railroad once again required a move; this time to the Chicago area, where they resided in Downer Grove, Illinois for 7 years. 

In 1996, a little boy named Derek Gilbert Hillman was born to Sandy’s son Christopher and his lovely wife, Donna Jean (Klaes) Hillman.  That began Sandy’s role as a grandmother.  This triggered yet another move when Sandy wanted Keith to ask the railroad to relocate them back to the Detroit area so she could spend more time with her grandson Derek. Within months, the railroad relocated Sandy and Keith back to the Detroit area where they made their new home in Wyandotte, Michigan which would turn out to be their final move.  Living in Wyandotte allowed her to spend the time she desired with her grandson Derek. 

Five years later, she would have a granddaughter.  Elaina Caroline Hillman was born into our family.  She liked to call them, “the million dollar pair”.  Five years after that, Sandy’s daughter, Nicole Renae married James Christopher Kamin, a man that she couldn’t live without.  After five years of marriage, they gave Sandy the additional blessing of her 3rd and final grandchild, Sara Marie Kamin.

Sandy enjoyed babysitting and spoiling her grandchildren right up until her departure to go home to be with her Savior.  Sandy poured her life into her roles as wife, mother and grandmother.  In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards and table games with her children and grandchildren.  Sandy also really loved hosting people in her home, cooking, baking and trying new recipes on her husband, Keith.  She lived life to the fullest and enjoyed everyday life walking with the motivation and love Jesus Christ gave her, allowing His light to shine in and through her and outward to her family and many friends.  Her warm smile and positive attitude toward life that was reflected through her outgoing concern for her family and friends will be missed by them all.