Obituary of Mary Jeanette Hilburn

Mary Jeanette Hilburn, 82, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020.The Irish blessing goes, “Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.” Our lives are diminished by the passing of Jeanette Hilburn. Jeanette was born on September 19, 1937, in Fort Worth, Texas, only child of James and Mary Betts.Jeanette was an avid equestrian riding in the Tennessee Walker style. She considered herself a “cowgirl.” Jeanette graduated from Pascal High School in 1955. She then attended TCU and married Johnny Betts. Their union produced a daughter, Mary, in 1957.In 1959, she would marry Robert Hilburn. They had a son and a daughter. Robert also had a son, Bruce to their union. Shortly after marrying Robert, they moved to Washington, D.C. where Robert was a White House Correspondent during the Kennedy administration.By 1966, they moved to Austin, Texas. Jeanette would become a “swimming parent” often waking up before dawn to drive carpools and spending her weekends at swim meets. Jeanette also resumed her interest in horses, spending time riding with her daughter, Mary. Jeanette was also involved with PAWS, providing pet therapy around Austin.Jeanette is survived by her children, Bruce Hilburn, Mary Hilburn, James Hilburn, Sidney Hilburn, and grandson, Finn Palmer. She was proud of her Irish heritage. She will be missed by all who knew her. She embodied a witty charm, drawing laughter from those around her. Special thanks to Encompass Hospice, Senior Sitters, and Dolores, and Renee Torres.