Janelle Marie Hilger and her loving smile returned to God on Monday night, May 6, 2024, after three years of a resilient, courageous battle with cancer. She was born March 8, 1986 in Overland Park KS to parents Nick and Sharon Hilger, brother Dan, and sister Laurel.
In retrospect, her vocation in life was apparent at an early age. During her grade school years there were multiple times her teachers shared moments with us of her kindness to other students, especially those who were being left out or teased. In a high school paper she wrote about interest in a career helping troubled youth with love and compassion to assist them through stressful times. She said it was a way to love others and to love God through others.
Janelle loved music of all genres, playing sports, and running; but loved her nephews most of all. One of her lifetime joys was a softball team that was formed in her grade school years with girls from seven different schools. Before the first season Janelle said she didn’t want to be on the team because she didn’t know them. However, after that team's first end-of-season picnic she and some other teammates were emotional because they wouldn’t see each other until the next season. The team lasted ten years and lifetime bonds were formed. Janelle loved running, but not the timed events. She just enjoyed the run, the freedom and the release. One summer day she ran her first 26.2 just to see if she could.
Janelle earned a Bachelors Degree from Kansas State University, a Masters Degree in social work from University of Kansas and was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Kansas and Missouri. Beyond her academic achievements was her unique ability to be present for the needs of others, a relentless pursuit of finding good in this world, and her wholehearted conviction.
Some of her career positions where she used her educational training were Our Lady’s Montessori school, a pediatric care practice, a county mental health center and several school districts. She also volunteered for Girls On the Run International and KyMel, a summer camp for kids with cancer. Janelle loved spending time with Jillian, her goddaughter and cousin.
She was preceded in death by grandparents Paul and Dorothy Hilger and Dorothy Segat. She is survived by her parents, brother Dan Hilger of Overland Park, sister Laurel Hilger Sharpe, brother in law in law Steve Sharpe, nephews Samson Paulo, Solomon José and Simon Peter of Winchester VA, and lastly her beloved pups, Nelly & Rodgers.
Janelle loved that her Grandmother Hilger referred to her grandchildren as sugarplums. In her first Facebook blog, January 2012 she quoted “I expect to pass through this world but once. Therefore any good that I can do or any kindness or abilities that I can share with my fellow creatures, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Janelle will be missed beyond measure. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
A Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 PM followed by a visitation until 6:00 PM, Monday at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia St., Lenexa, KS. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 14, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 8311 West 93rd Street, Overland Park, KS. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Janelle’s memory to Holy Cross Catholic School, 8101 W. 95th St. Overland Park, KS 66212 or Our Lady’s Montessori School, 5809 Michigan Ave. Kansas City, MO 64130.
Janelle requested a party, and celebration with live music. We would like to invite all family and friends to join us on Sunday, May 19th at Kauffman stadium for the Royals vs. A’s baseball game. Janelle had countless memories with family and friends at the ballpark. Tailgate will begin at 10am, and located in the back of General Parking C, look for the purple flag, game time is 1:10pm.