Harleen E. Hilton

Castleton- Harleen (Eastman) Hilton, 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, surrounded by her loving family at The Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Albany to the late Dr. Harry and Helen (Plankenhorn) Eastman, she was the loving wife of 63 years to R. Arthur "Art" Hilton. Harleen attended floral design school in Texas, nursing school at St. Peter's, and studied accounting at Hudson Valley Community College. She was the Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Schodack and worked locally as a tax preparer. Her pure joy was working with flowers as a florist at Danker and Gleason Florists. She also worked for the family businesses, Hilton Music and the Troy Music Academy, and as a Director and Piano Instructor. Harleen was active in town politics and was a cherished foster mother for many children. Harleen was also a very active "Omi" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A devout Catholic, she was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Castleton, where she was in the church choir and a Eucharistic Minister. Harleen enjoyed gardening, music, crochet, and reading. She was active in the Castleton Kiwanis Club, where she was President and Lieutenant Governor. Harleen also enjoyed the town parades. Harleen was a faithful caregiver to her sister, Honora, involved in many of her activities and was by her side until her passing.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved sister, Honora.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Marie (Carl) Dieudonne, Theresa (Jerry) Dolak, Ann Marie (late Terry) Matott, and Steven (Lucero) Hilton. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Daniel, Nathaniel, Kianna, Nadia, Cara, Volodymyr, Olena, Anastasia, George, Jessica, Crystal, Nicole, Terry, Evan, and Celeste, as well as 14 great grandchildren, and her sister Heather (late Michael) O'Heaney.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Harleen's family on Friday, July 19, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Castelton Funeral Home, 59 Seaman Ave. Castleton. Harleen's funeral mass will be offered on Saturday, July 20, 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 3 Catholic way, Castleton.

In lieu of traditional cut flowers, the family kindly requests that you send perennial potted flowers that can then be planted in Harleen's Memorial Garden.

Donations in Harleen's memory can be made to The Myositis Association 6950 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 370, Columbia, MD 21046 or at www.myositis.org