Karen Hilbert

Karen Suzanne Hilbert (nee Cronin)

March 23, 1949 - July 28, 2025

Karen passed away peacefully surrounded by her devoted family. She is survived by her husband Russell B. Hilbert, sons, Russell (Sharon), Gary (April) and Brian (Christine), grandchildren Gary Jr, Kiera McMonagle, Eric, Rebecca Torres (Angelo), Russell, Brian Jr, Timothy and Chloe,

great grandchildren, Zoe Torres, her parents, Sharon Cronin (nee Anger) and Joseph Cronin, brother Bill Cronin (Elaine), and she is the sister of the late Patti Esbensen, DeAnn Hinds, Betty Petite, Nornie Kumpf, Lois Feldman and Joyce Lafferty. Also survived by her in-laws, Ron Hilbert (Cathy), Maureen Combs (Dave), Edwin Ulmer (Maryann), predeceased by JoAnn Benjamin, Bill Hilbert, and Steve Hilbert.

Karen, a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother, passed away suddenly after a brief illness.

Karen was a graduate of Roxborough High School, where she began a journey that would lead to a life filled with love and adventure. In 1966, she met the love of her life, Russell, through his sister Reenie. They married on March 30, 1968, and soon began a life of travel as part of the Army community. Together, they lived in many places, including Fort Buckner (Okinawa), Fort Bliss (Texas), Germany, Fort Hood (Texas), and Fort Lewis (Washington), before settling back in Philadelphia in 1986.

Karen was incredibly proud of her three sons: Russell, who lives in Walkerton, Indiana and works for the Ford Motor Company; Gary, a Philadelphia-based business owner; and Brian, her youngest, who serves as a Philadelphia Police Officer. The family made their home in the Mayfair section of the city, where Karen built a life rooted in family, friendships, and faith.

She worked for many years at Skylar and Carmosin Tax Firm until her retirement in May 2015. Retirement brought her great joy—traveling to visit loved ones in California and Indiana, taking cruises, and spending cherished time with her grandchildren and her beloved “Sorority Sisters.”

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Karen’s life on Tuesday, August 12th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon at McCafferty Sweeney Slabinski Barnes Funerals and Cremations, 2614 Orthodox Street (large parking available). Her funeral service will follow at 12 noon.

Karen will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the deep love she gave to everyone lucky enough to know her.

Arrangements by McCafferty Sweeney Slabinski Barnes funerals and cremations, John Barnes Funeral Director, 215.620.9123