Prudence “Prudi” Hillert, 96, of Royal Oak, died Jan. 4 at Lake Orion Nursing Home. She was born March 1, 1916, in Saginaw to the late William and Nicolette Ciaramitaro. Mrs. Hillert was a sales representative for G.I.A. Publications, Inc. in Chicago.

She was also a member of the Shrine Ladies Guild, president of the Council of Catholic Women and responsible for the parish handbook. She was a volunteer for the Oakland County Jail Ministries, where she was in charge of the Christmas Donation Program. She would contact local businesses and churches for donations to create gift baskets of necessities and toys for the inmates and their children.

Mrs. Hillert was also an avid Tigers fan and loved to make flower arrangements.

“She was like a second mother to me,” said Judy Maten, regional coordinator for evangelization for the Archdiocese of Detroit. “She took me under her wing as a young newlywed and member of Shrine over 30 years ago and mentored me in ministry.”

She was the beloved wife of the late Edward C; loving mother of John Hillert, Kristine Lundy and Mary (Demetri) Kraniak; dear sister of Basil (the late Grace) Ciaramitaro, the late Leo Ciaramitaro and Grace (the late Chuck) Anderson; sister-in-law of Helen Ciaramitaro; and proud grandmother of six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mrs. Hillert’s funeral Mass was Jan. 7 at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Parish, Royal Oak. Memorials to the Oakland County Jail Chaplaincy, Shrine High School or Shrine Parish are appreciated.