Community Corner
A Volunteer Who Will Always Be Remembered At Timbers of Shorewood
Joni Hilger was one of the most dedicated and beloved volunteers at the Timbers of Shorewood, but then tragedy struck.
One of the most dedicated volunteers at the Timbers of Shorewood was Joni Hilger of Shorewood. Everyone liked this outgoing woman, a volunteer who was involved in almost all Timbers’ events.
Joni was hit by a car in front of her house and died instantly on June 4, 2020. Because of COVID restrictions, the Timbers was unable to honor her last June, but because of vaccinations and mitigations, her memory was honored on Saturday, May 8 at the Timbers of Shorewood
The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Joni’s husband and son, and it was announced that the award will hereby be known as the “Joni Hilger Volunteer of the Year Award.”
Find out what's happening in Shorewoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Joni was slated to be the Volunteer of the Year in April of 2020, but when the pandemic hit, we had to cancel the annual volunteer appreciation event,” said Kevin Young, executive director of the Timbers or Shorewood. “Joni was an outstanding volunteer for more than 10 years. Everyone knew her smile, and she brough great enthusiasm to many of our events.”
In memory of Joni, a tree will be planted on the Timbers’ 10-acre property as part of the Tree of Life remembrance program, and Joni’s family is donating a bench to be placed in front of the tree.
Find out what's happening in Shorewoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A move to Shorewood
Joni and Tom Hilger moved to Shorewood from Tinley Park to be closer to their son Steve and his family who are residents of Shorewood. To Joni, grandkids were everything.
The youngest of five children, Joni was born on July 13, 1953, in Evergreen Park. She met her future husband at a bowling alley, and romance blossomed. They married and had son Steve and daughter Trisha Comiskey.
Between Steve and Trisha, there are five grandchildren: a girl followed by four boys. Steve and his wife were expecting a girl when Joni died. She was looking forward to this granddaughter very much.
"We heard from so many people who expressed shock and sympathy,” Steve said. “The comments helped a lot. She was such a positive person.”
About the Timbers of Shorewood
The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides senior independent living and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Residents whose needs may change are able to stay in the same place and receive appropriate and compassionate care. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month, or longer.
For more information, call 815-609-0669 or visit: https://www.timbersofshorewood.com/.