It is with great sorrow and deep gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of Hilary Shepherd, a devoted Funeral Director, Celebrant, and unwavering source of comfort for families in their most tender moments. Hilary passed peacefully on June 3, 2025 at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy of care, integrity, and heartfelt service.

Raised in the community of Berkeley, California, Hilary embodied the West Coast's openness and curiosity, always seeking truth, meaning, and connection. Her path eventually brought her across the country to Cincinnati, where she embraced her extended family and expanded her horizons both personally and professionally.

Hilary held a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Cal State University East Bay, a second degree in Mortuary Science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and a Celebrant Certification from the InSight Institute. She was a licensed Funeral Director through the State of Ohio, combining technical excellence with profound empathy in every role she fulfilled.

Since entering the funeral profession in 2019 and joining Gilligan Funeral Homes in 2020, Hilary approached her work as more than a job, it was a calling. Her mission was clear: to honor every life with dignity and grace, and to guide grieving families through the darkest hours with presence, understanding, and peace. She believed deeply in the sacredness of farewell, ensuring each person she cared for looked their best and was remembered well.

Hilary once said, "The most fulfilling part is knowing that the families leave me better than when they came to me." These words now stand as a lasting testament to the way she lived: offering comfort, elevating others, and doing meaningful work with strength and sincerity.

Hilary will be missed dearly by her family, colleagues, and the many lives she touched through her compassion and service.

A memorial gathering of her life will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on June 11, 2025 at Gilligan Funeral Home 8225 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236.

Her life was a force of goodness. Her memory will be a lasting comfort.