News Summary
The Lake Placid community honors the life of Hugh Herbert Shilliday, a former educator and mentor, who passed away at the age of 84. His contributions to the field of education and his active community involvement left a lasting impact. The community will commemorate his life with memorial services and donations in his memory.
Lake Placid Community Comes Together to Remember Hugh Herbert Shilliday, 84
In the close-knit community of Lake Placid, Florida, friends and family are taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable life of Hugh Herbert Shilliday, who passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 84. Hugh, a beloved educator and active community member, touched the lives of many during his long and fulfilling journey.
A Life Well-Lived
Hugh was born on April 11, 1940, in Monroe, Michigan, the son of Ivan and Marjorie “Peg” (Watkins) Shilliday. He grew up in Monroe, where he would go on to graduate from Monroe High School in 1958. A talented athlete, Hugh enjoyed playing both football and tennis, passions that followed him through his education.
Following high school, Hugh made a name for himself at Michigan State University, where he played tennis while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He graduated in 1962, and shortly after, he took another important step in his educational journey by earning a Master’s degree in School Guidance Counseling from Eastern Michigan University in 1965.
Educator and Mentor
Hugh dedicated his career to education, first teaching chemistry and physics at Ida High School in Michigan. He found his true calling when he became the school’s guidance counselor, a role in which he served with dedication for many years. Alongside counseling, he also coached the defensive football team and taught drivers education, inspiring countless students over his 34-year tenure. Hugh retired from Ida High School in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of support and guidance that his students will forever cherish.
A Family Man
On August 26, 1961, Hugh married Maria Elena Knowles, with whom he built a beautiful life. Together they raised three wonderful children: Brad H. Shilliday of Austin, TX; Chad I. (April) Shilliday of Novi, MI; and Kara E. (Robert) Schrader of Williamston, MI. Tragically, Maria passed away on February 16, 2004, leaving a void that Hugh carried with grace.
In addition to his children, Hugh is survived by six grandchildren: Maxwell (Ashlea) Shilliday, Malcolm Shilliday, Ronan Shilliday, Samantha Schrader, Ethan Schrader, and Logan Shilliday. He also shared a loving relationship with Sharon Sprague, who remained by his side in the later years of his life.
Community and Values
A lifetime member of the Free and Accepted Masons Monroe Lodge 27, Hugh was deeply involved in various organizations throughout his life, including the National Education Association and the Michigan Education Association. He was a familiar face at Ida United Methodist Church, where he actively participated in community programs, reinforcing his commitment to service and connection. In 2023, Hugh embraced a new chapter of his life by moving to Florida full-time, where he spent many joyful hours by the pool, fishing, playing poker, and participating in bingo games.
A Fond Farewell
The community will gather to honor Hugh’s life on February 2, 2025, with visitation from 2 P.M. until 6 P.M. at Bacarella Funeral Home in Monroe, including a Masonic service at 5 P.M. The funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Dean Prentiss at 1 P.M. on February 3, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Gabby’s Grief Center or Ida United Methodist Church to commemorate Hugh’s impactful life.
Hugh Herbert Shilliday will be remembered not only for his significant contributions as an educator and community member but also for the love and kindness he showed to all. The legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Lake Placid News: Thomas W. Varden Jr. Obituary
- Wikipedia: Education
- Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Arthur W. Jubin Obituary
- Google Search: Community involvement
- Legacy.com: Mary Shaw Obituary
- Google Scholar: Education legacy
- Legacy.com: Joyce Neel Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community service
- Star Ledger: Benjamin Schaffer Obituary
- Google News: Education community
