71° and Patchy rain nearby
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[ Obituary and photo from Catagnus Funeral Homes]
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.
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