Mildred "Mickie" Hill

Mildred (Mickie) Hill passed away peacefully April 22, 2021 in her home due to complications of COVID-19. Mickie, was born in 1921 in Lehighton PA, to Joseph and Minnie (Wolfe) Vanage. Her mother died when she was an infant. She was raised by her “Nana” and “Big Daddy” Wolfe. She had two brothers Leo, and Buck (both deceased). Mickie graduated from Lehighton High School in 1939. After high school she worked at Peerless Mill and enjoyed making many forays to the Poconos with her friends throughout the war years. After the war she met the “love of her life” Gerald (Jerry) Hill at the Lehighton American Legion. They eloped in 1947 and celebrated with their friends at the Sun Inn in Bethlehem. They lived in Philadelphia, where her daughter Barbara was born, while Jerry went to watch-making and jewelry school on the GI Bill. She and Jerry moved to Liberty Street in Allentown and she had two more children, Barry and Brenda. In 1956 the family moved to the home she loved so much in Whitehall (Fullerton) PA. She was a stay-at-home Mom until her children reached school age. Then she worked at Jerry’s manufacturing jewelry business on Hamilton St across from Hess’s, where she was his engraver and gal Friday. After Jerry died in 1978, she worked at the women’s service desk at the Allentown YMCA, where she made countless friends. Mick was a wonderful mom and a dear friend to many, many people. She had a great, impish sense of humor and a certain empathy that drew everyone to her. Always active, she and Jerry could be seen all over Whitehall on their daily bike rides. She walked three miles a day into her late 80’s. She loved her Phillies (and may have the Cal Ripken record for most games watched), loved reading, playing cards and was brutal at Scrabble. She was a member of the former St. Andrews UCC Church in Allentown. Family and friends: Daughters: Brenda Hill Gerhard (the late Ronald Gerhard) of Treasure Island, FL; Barbara Hill Spencer (James) of Goleta, CA Son: Barry Hill (Sarah) of Annapolis, MD; Niece and husband (and forever “partners in crime and humor”) Kathy and Bill Exner of Coopersburg, PA, Niece: Joanie Ziegler of West Catasauqua, PA. Grandchildren: Stephanie Gerhard Long, Lily Gerhard Borges, Alexandra Hill Dooley and Barrett Hill, and Tally Hill (and seven great grandchildren); the best of her many friends at the Y -- Lois Riedy. And dear Anna Machio, who lovingly provided the care and comfort that allowed her to stay in her home. There is no viewing. Everyone is invited to a graveside service at Gnaden Huetten Cemetery 440 S. 4th Street in Lehighton, PA at 11:30 am on Friday, May 14, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Family Pillars Hospice, Inc., 3910 Adler Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017