Hilary Taylor Holbrook passed away peacefully June 30, 2010 at her home surrounded by her family and friends, following a valiant battle with breast cancer. She was fifty four.

Her family will welcome visitors at the Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 South Philo Road, Urbana, on Monday July 5, 2010, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 708 West Main Street, Urbana, is at 10:00 am on Tuesday July 5, 2010. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

She was born Hilary Margaret Taylor to the late Bruce E. Taylor and Virginia (Geno) Mayer Taylor in Evanston, Illinois in 1956. Following the death of her parents in '66/'67, she relocated to Urbana to live with her late maternal aunt Eileen Mayer Sternburg and her uncle Dr. James Sternburg. In 1978, Hilary married Robert S. Holbrook in Urbana Illinois. Hilary and Bob have two sons, Colin S. of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Morgan R. of New York, New York. Colin is a pilot for Compass Airlines, a regional carrier for Delta Airlines, and is engaged to Anne M. McKibben from Rochelle, Illinois. A December 11, 2010 wedding is planned. Morgan is working in New York's theatre district in the area of stage management, including many venues on Broadway. One of Hilary's greatest satisfactions in life was the fact that both Colin and Morgan found, pursued, and achieved their respective professional passion.

Hilary was preceded in death by her parents Bruce and Virginia, maternal grand mother Margaret Mayer, maternal Aunt Eileen, and father in-law Joseph Holbrook. In addition to her husband and sons, Hilary is survived by two brothers, Brendon and Mark Taylor; a sister Veronica Taylor; her maternal Uncle Dr. James Sternburg; and a Mother-in-law Barbara Holbrook. Hilary leaves numerous sister and brother's in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins as well.

Hilary graduated from the University of Illinois in 1979 with a degree in English. She was employed for many years at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), working specifically with the federal ERIC database, as an abstracter/indexer. Once her children were in school, she returned to work, first at Child Reading Services, and later at ERIC-ECPE. When that contract expired, she worked at CITES (Campus Information and Technology Education Services) for a short period of time before moving to The Department of Continuing Education (DCE). While at DCE, Hilary worked on numerous projects including The Illinois Steward, a conservation periodical, and projects concerning Allerton Park. In 2008 Hilary had to retire from the University, but many meaningful relationships and memories offered her comfort and support during her battle with Cancer.

Hilary had a childhood interest in literature and poetry that left her with a life long passion for writing. As a child Hilary started her literary career writing numerous short stories and journaling her life experiences including the loss of her beloved parents and separation from her siblings. Hilary later joined Red Herring writer's workshop, where fellow writers taught and inspired her.

Editor and Chief of Champaign's News Gazette, John Forman, encouraged Hilary and a other local writers to challenge their writing skills by submitting regular columns for publication. These columns eventually became "Voices", a venue that local writers still enjoy today.

For their compassionate care and support over the many years of Hilary's healthcare journey, her family would like to express their gratitude to the dedicated physicians and staff of Christie Clinic.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Red Herring Fiction Writers Workshop, c/o, Channing-Murray Foundation, 1209 West Oregon Street, Urbana Il, 61801; or Christie Clinic Breast Cancer Support Group; c/o, Christie Clinic Foundation, 101 West University, Champaign, IL 61801.

Hilary will be sorely missed; however her 'voice' will live on in her friends and family...

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.