Jane Louise Hilary

Jane Louise Hilary of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was a self-reliant trailblazer who refused to accept the societal limits placed on women of her generation. A determined and capable pioneer, she excelled at everything she set her mind to and never believed in the notion of a “man of the house.” Long before DIY became popular, Jane was already an accomplished home-improvement expert who tackled any project with skill and confidence.

She attended the University of Minnesota’s law school in the 1970s when few women were enrolled, later building a career in Human Resources at Cargill. After retiring, she turned her energy to woodworking, creating a professional shop where she mastered furniture making and turned beautiful vessels on her lathe from raw chunks of wood. An avid traveler, Jane visited sixty-six countries and left behind several well-stamped passports filled with memories of her journeys.

She was a devoted dog owner throughout her life. Jane is remembered by those who knew her as a strong, independent woman who lived life on her own terms. In keeping with her wishes, donations may be made to the Golden Valley Humane Society in her honor.