Lillian J. Schmidt, business owner

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Lillian Julia Schmidt, 90, who with her husband, the late Eli Schmidt, were proprietors for more than five decades of what is now the Hill Company, 8615 Germantown Ave in Chestnut Hill, died Dec. 24 at her home in Normandy Farms, a retirement community in Blue Bell.

Mrs. Schmidt and her husband, along with the late Lloyd Wells, founded Hill Hardware in 1949 as a firm selling hardware and gifts. The couple purchased Wells' share in 1975 and operated the company until the death of Mr. Schmidt in 2000. Mrs. Schmidt remained as secretary-treasurer of the corporation until 2008 when it was sold.

In 1976, Hill Hardware began trading as the Hill Company and specialized in outdoor furniture and accessories.

Born in Ivyland, Mrs. Schmidt was a lifelong Phillies fan and animal lover who  enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii, the home of her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. She was an avid gardener and swimmer.

She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Rocheleau; a son, Bruce; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a sister, and a brother.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Grace Baptist Church in Blue Bell.

Memorial donations may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA, P.O. Box 222, Conshohocken, PA 19428. – WF

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