Mary Hils. December 6, 1927-December 20, 2022

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mary Jane (née Schapker) Hils, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on December 20, 2022, after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 53 years, Leonard Hils. She is survived by her four children: Jane Shea (Kevin), Pam Kohn (Larry), Peter Hils (Julie), and Suzanne Hauck; as well as nine grandchildren: Maura (Shea) Lund, Daniel Shea, Greg Shea, Brian Kohn, Drew Kohn, Erich Hils, Matt Hils, Sam Hauck and Claire Hauck; and seven great-grandchildren: Winston Lund, Oliver Lund, Finnegan Shea, Liam Shea, Madelyn Kohn, Cooper Kohn, and Kenyon Shea. She is also survived by her brother, Louis Schapker.

Mary was born on December 6, 1927, the second child and eldest daughter of Harry and Dorothy Schapker. She was one of seven children, and from an early age was tasked with being a second mother for her younger siblings. Her family was close and her family life was lively, and she shared many fond memories of her childhood years.

She received training as a legal secretary at St. Xavier Commercial College, and enjoyed working for several local attorneys until her marriage to Len in 1952. Mary and Len had four children, and she embraced her new role as homemaker and mother. However, when her youngest child started school, she decided it was time to return to the legal world. She continued to work as a legal secretary until she retired in 1992. In that respect she was a trailblazer, working outside the home when most other mothers stayed home. She loved her work as a legal secretary and she loved the legal world.

Upon retirement, she and Len enjoyed traveling for many years. She was always there for her family, and loved to hear about their achievements. She was the life of the party, was an engaging storyteller, and loved making others laugh. She and Len cared for her five eldest grandchildren on New Year's Eve for a number of years, and the sharing of stories during those evenings is one of their favorite memories.

The family is at peace knowing that Mary has been reunited in Heaven with her husband and best friend, Len, along with her mother, father, and five of her siblings, whom she dearly adored.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, DeSales Crossings Center, 1602 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.