03/28/2024
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January 29, 1928 – July 15, 2019

Hilda Poirier Sullivan, 91, of Frederick, Maryland, died peacefully surrounded by family on July 15, 2019. Hilda was born in Elizabethtown, North Carolina on January 29, 1928, the daughter of Clara McCall Priest and Lee G. Priest. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jean R. Poirier, and her second husband, Timothy J. Sullivan, her sisters; Grace Priest Coleman and Mildred Priest McCulloch, her brothers; Russell Priest, Sr., Jay Priest, Kenneth Priest and Bill Priest.

Hilda graduated from Elizabethtown High School and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science from East Carolina College. She worked as a teacher and then a social worker for several years before becoming a stay-at-home mother. She met her spouse, Jean R. Poirier, from Worcester, Massachusetts, one weekend in 1952, while Jean was on leave from his duties in the Army at Fort Bragg. They married in 1953 and moved to Frederick in 1961, after Jean completed medical school. Hilda and Jean purchased a farm on Ballenger Creek Road in 1962 and developed it into a successful thoroughbred race horse farm, where they lived for nearly 30 years. After they divorced, Hilda married Timothy J. Sullivan from Montville, New Jersey in 1998. They enjoyed many years together living between Frederick and St. Croix, Virgin Islands.

Hilda excelled in the game of bridge. She played for over 50 years, achieving the honorable rank of Life Master. Besides raising her children and managing the horse farm, she enjoyed cooking, entertaining, traveling and good conversations.

Hilda is survived by two children; Stephen R. Poirier, Cheryl L. Poirier; three grand-children, Mitchell R. Poirier (Dobrina), Lex R. Poirier and Diego R. Morales and great grandson, Harrison R. Poirier. She is also survived by step-children; Patrice Sullivan (Craig), Timothy Sullivan, Dennis Sullivan (Renee) and Joe Sullivan (Dotti); nieces and nephews; John Wilton Priest (Anita), Russell Priest (Doll), Charlie Priest (Tracie), Kenneth Coleman (Catherine), Barbara Williams, Joe Priest, David Priest (Karen), Marc Poirier (Alice), David Poirier; brother-in law, Conrad Poirier (Judy), sister-in- law, Catherine Lenz and many loving great nieces and nephews. Hilda will be missed by all.

A special thanks to the devoted nurses and caregivers for their loving care during the past year; Pam, Rosie, Annie, Kathleen, Emma and Daisi.

A Gathering of Friends Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2019 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Warfield Brothers Foundation, www.warfieldbrothers.org.

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