Jeannette Nesbitt Hillyer, age 90, passed away on May 1, 2013 in Port Deposit, MD. Jeannette was born in Port Deposit, MD on July 25, 1922 to the late Harry Nesbitt and Ethel (Jones) Nesbitt.
A supporter and member of the Democratic Party, Jeannette was very active in community affairs. She was a big part of the Bainbridge Development Corporation, where she championed causes like a Naval History museum and a Veteran’s Cemetery for this area of the state. An animal lover, she enjoyed observing nature’s many birds and animals and was a supporter of many environmental causes such as the Susquehanna Heritage Greenway. A lifelong resident of Cecil County, Jeannette had a tremendous knowledge of the rich history of the county. She was especially moved by the 1947 Memorial Day plane crash of Eastern Flight 605 in Port Deposit, MD. She worked with the Stewart Company to have a Memorial constructed in honor of the 53 who lost their lives that day. She was also active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association at Bainbridge.
She is survived by her son Steven G. Hillyer and wife Susan E. of Havre de Grace, MD, daughters JoAnn Hayes of Havre de Grace, MD and Kathleen Shelton of San Antonio, TX; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Frank Hillyer in 2011 and one grandchild.
Services will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Hopewell United Methodist Church, 1811 Hopewell Rd., Port Deposit, MD 21904. Friends and family may call 1 hour prior beginning at 10AM. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Chesapeake Bay Foundation or the Environmental Program at the Havre de Grace H.S., payable to the high school c/o R.T. Foard F.H., 111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, MD 21911.