Hilary Edith Eshelman

Hilary Edith Eshelman, 66, of Quakertown, PA, passed away on July 1st, 2024, at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Born in Wynnewood, PA, Hilary was the daughter of the late Charles E. Rankin and the late Moira P. (Glasscock) Rankin.

Hilary attended The Baldwin School for high school and graduated in 1975. After high school, she continued her education at Bates College where she received a bachelor's degree in Theater.

Hilary then went on to work at Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, PA for four years, where she would not only act, but also work in the box office, and ran the commissary. Communal dinners were on a rotation, and everyone signed up to eat-in whenever she was the one cooking the meal. It was at Hedgerow where Hilary met Stephen Eshelman, who was volunteering to help with lighting. They married on October 9, 1982, and settled in Delaware County, PA.

Hilary came to Christ in 1984 and dedicated many hours to serving whatever church she and Stephen attended with their children. At Concord Liberty Presbyterian Church in Glen Mills, PA, where they attended for 32 years, she served as an elder and clerk of Session and was in charge of logistics, serving the church in myriad ways. She could often be found the week before busy Sundays rearranging the chairs in the sanctuary to ensure there was enough seating for everyone. She loved singing for the Lord and often led the congregation in worship in the choir and the praise band. When she and her husband moved to Quakertown in 2016, they intentionally sought a new church home and found it in Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. Hilary continued to serve in numerous ways, from doing the slides for Sunday worship to leading and hosting small group to sending out the prayer chain email.

Wherever she went, Hilary created a welcoming, loving space for whomever she spoke with. Her wit was sharp but never unkind, and her humor would lighten the moment and create connection. She was generous with her wisdom and insights gleaned from experience, deep thought, and vast reading. She knew what to say when someone needed advice, and if she ever felt that she erred in any way, she would privately follow up with the person and make amends. She was the consummate cheerleader, sending notes of encouragement, affirmation, and friendship whenever she saw fit to all in her sphere of care. She often shared her love through food and was an excellent cook and baker.

Hilary loved her family deeply and cherished the time spent with them. She and her husband were a team, and she loved simple pleasures like sitting out on the porch with Stephen over a good meal and good wine. She loved her children, spoiling them with all of her wisdom and generosity as they grew. Even once they were adults, she gladly took their phone calls when they needed last-minute cooking advice. She took in her daughter-in-law Lillian as a second daughter and showered her with the same love and generosity. She doted on her grandchildren and loved every second of her time with them; her theater background made her the best reader when her grandchildren wanted her to read to them. 

Hilary will be dearly missed by her husband, Stephen, who together shared almost 42 years of marriage; her son, Jeremy, daughter-in-law Lillian, and grandchildren, Shanna, Zachary, Gemma, and Rosalee; her daughter Sarah; her siblings, Gwenyth Ludwig, Lorna LaRiviere, Faith Warren, and Neil Rankin; along with other extended family member and friends. Hilary was predeceased by her parents.

All are invited to remember Hilary at the memorial service on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11:00am at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, located at 5900 Old Bethlehem Pike in Center Valley, PA, with visitation beginning at 9:30am. There will be a livestream for those who cannot attend. Please visit the church website at https://www.cornerstonepres.org/ for more information.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Hilary’s name to Chop Point Camp in Woolwich, Maine. 

All arrangements are made by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. (215-536-3343)