Mary Anne Hilliard

Mary Anne Scandlon Hilliard, age 86, peacefully entered into eternal rest in Castle Rock, Colorado on April 10, 2026 from natural causes. She was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania, but settled in Erie, PA. Always engaged in learning she achieved two advanced degrees, one in Education and the other in School Psychology. She was a beloved high school biology teacher at Venango Christian in Oil City, PA and McDowell in Erie, PA and infamous for her one-liners. She retired in 1999 after more than 40 years of teaching. She married her Irish Prince, William Valentine “Val” Hilliard, in 1973 and was happily married until he passed away in 2007.

Mrs. Hilliard was loved by her family and friends for her quick wit and dry sense of humor. Affectionately known as “Moody” by her immediate family, Mary Anne had a heart for children and was a huge presence in the lives of her grandchildren, son and daughter-in-law. She was always willing to lend an ear whether it was to impart wisdom to help cope with life’s challenges or actively engage in learning about the children’s topics of interest. Ever present for celebrations, Christmas was her favorite time of year and she delighted in seeing the children’s excitement. Mary Anne loved sweets and would pass on vegetables.

She was an avid political watcher and supported many charities including St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, various political funds and care organizations such as, the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. Mrs. Hilliard was a former Benedictine nun in Erie, PA and avowed Catholic her whole life.

Mary Anne is survived by her son, Sean Hilliard and his wife Maura Ambron, and three grandchildren, Aurea, Noah and Finnian. Also surviving is her sister Kate Scandlon of Scotts, MI and her children, Sharon Manski (John), Chris Horos (Tammy) and John Horos. In addition, are the children of her brother John, Terri Reinsel (Dave), Bill Scandlon (Cindy), and Joe (Janet) Scandlon and their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by many well-loved cousins and their families throughout the world in the US, Canada, Ireland, England and Australia. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gertrude “Gert” Scandlon, her sister Eileen, brother John Scandlon, niece Jamie Strezeski, great niece Michele Lutz and her husband Val.

Burial services will be private in Erie, PA. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Mary Anne’s name to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 6101 E Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16511.