Anderson-Steinhaus, Hilary Janice

April 26, 1945 - August 21, 2023

Hilary Janice Anderson-Steinhaus passed away peacefully in Glenbrook Hospital surrounded by family on August 21, 2023. She was born in Oak Park, Illinois on April 26, 1945. Hilary's distinct gift for communication was noticed at the ripe age of 17 and she was given her own radio show called the Top Teen of Niles on WRSV. She was a member of the first class of the School for New Learning at DePaul University, where she graduated from in 1975 with a degree in Communications. Throughout studying at DePaul, she worked full-time at many radio stations including WLS during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her penchant for story-telling and driven curiosity ultimately led Hilary to become an investigative reporter for WFLD TV and the Vice President of Van Zandt and Associates. A talented writer, she naturally succeeded as a freelance journalist, writing for papers all over the Chicago area including the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago SunTimes, the Pioneer Press, Chicago Catholic, and other publications. She was also the Manager of Media Relations for Illinois Bell (now AT&T) and the company spokesperson. One of her many achievements included creating and implementing the One-Plus Dialing campaign in the Chicago metropolitan area.

She is sorely missed, cherished, loved, and survived by her husband, Kirk Steinhaus, daughter, Margo Steinhaus, son, Torey Steinhaus; brothers Lindsay (Kathy) Anderson and Jordan (Nancy) Anderson; sisters Melissa (Rick) Meiresonne, Erica (Dennis) Drucker, Jennifer Anderson, Kimberly Anderson, Josslin Anderson, and Whitney (Joseph) Filtranti; as well as many nieces and nephews, dozens of cousins, and countless friends and colleagues.

Hilary's love and care for animals was unmatched and would have adopted every dog she saw if she could have. Over the course of her life, she had given a loving home to approximately 23 cats and dogs, all of whom had "come to her." Of those 23 fur babies, Hilary leaves behind two beloved cats, Charlie and Minnie, who adored her. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to Hilary's favorite charity in her name, Orphans of the Storm.

Per Hilary's living request, her life will be celebrated in two ways that mirror her life-long devotion as a Catholic as well as appreciation for Jewish tradition passed to her from family friends: a Catholic Funeral Mass at St. John Brebeuf and Visitation at Skaja Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles, followed by a three-day shiva at her home in Wilmette. Mourners/celebrators are encouraged to wear colors to honor Hilary's zest for life. Visitation Monday at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, Illinois from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM. Funeral Mass Monday 11:00 AM at St. John Brebeuf Church.