Hilary Ann Greenstreet

After a long battle with cancer, Hilary Ann Greenstreet died on July 7, at Hunterdon Medical Center, in Flemington, NJ. She spent her last days surrounded by friends and family in the hospital, awash in thoughts and prayers of countless others who could not be by her side. She was 70 years old. Hilary was born Hilary Schiffrin, in Hinsdale, IL. Over the course of her life, she lived in Illinois, New Jersey, Boston, New York City, Seattle, and New Jersey again. She had a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a host of jobs including textbook writer and therapist before founding her own successful business, aptly named “Type-A Enterprises,” specializing in medical transcription, in Seattle, WA. Hilary always pulled for the underdog. In the late 60s she was heavily involved in establishing and maintaining a child care center in a dangerous Boston neighborhood. However, local gang members objected to the center. When Hilary confronted them, they punched her, knocking her glasses off and cutting her face. They then kicked down the center door. The next day Hilary picked up her visiting brother from the airport. On the way back she also picked up a new metal replacement door, and together they headed straight for the child care center. She again successfully confronted the gang members and oversaw the installation of the new door. It was an amazing display of courage and tenacity. A friend to all animals and children, Hilary once tempted a mouse into a have-a-heart trap using what she discovered was the mouse’s “favorite cookie” (Milano) in her pantry. When she freed the mouse she left a couple extra cookies for it to “get started in its new life.” She zeroed in on every child’s favorite toy or treat, and had endless time for chats over bowls of M&Ms and potato chips. Whip-smart and fiercely tough, Hilary’s lightning-quick sense of humor offered an instant rejoinder to almost any comment. She was fast to see the ironies and contradictions in life, making everyone laugh along the way. Uncowed by two different cancer diagnoses, Hilary fought her way through more than ten cumulative years of treatment. After receiving her most recent diagnosis she moved to Flemington, NJ for further treatment and to be close to friends. She loved glitter, puzzles, games, movies, and Costco—but she loved her family and friends above all. Hilary is survived by her brother, David (Bonnie) Schiffrin; two nieces, Brooke and Kari; several other relatives, and many close friends who love her very much. A celebration of Hilary's life will take place at her home at 54 Bonnell Street, Flemington, from 1:30-4:00 pm on Saturday, August 4. If you'd like, please bring a "memory" to share--photograph, story, object, etc. A celebration of her life will also take place in Seattle on a date to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Anyone wishing to honor her memory is encouraged to contribute to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5028 or the ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.