Fannie Hillman of Winter Park, Florida passed away on October 12, 2022, at the age of 88. Ms. Hillman was born in the coal mining town of Norton, Virginia on June 29, 1934. She was a graduate of Longwood College & Medical College of Virginia and moved to Winter Park in 1958. In 1969 she became the sole provider for her family, teaching biology at Winter Park High School. While teaching during the day, she studied at night to get her real estate license.
A pioneer for women-owned businesses in Central Florida, Fannie was one of the first women to own her own company in the City of Winter Park. In 1981 she founded Fannie Hillman + Associates Real Estate Company. What started out as a small firm with just a handful of associates, has become one of the most celebrated real estate firms in Winter Park for over 40 years. Her choice to start a real estate company not only improved her life and her family’s, but also the many clients (now friends) and the community that it continues to serve.
Her well-lived life is proven by the impact she had in the local real estate industry, but even more so the large circle of family, friends, and clients that will truly miss her. Ms. Hillman’s love and passion for Winter Park and its community is seen in her successful efforts as a community leader and advocate.
Fannie‘s zest for life included regular trips to her beloved home in Maine, where she loved visiting with friends, supporting the local artists and boating. She enjoyed entertaining, collecting recipes, traveling, and especially spending time with friends and family. She was known for making friends quickly and enjoyed any excuse for a get together. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
She is survived by her loving family; children- son Scott Hillman his wife Debbie, son David Hillman his wife Leigh, daughter Mary Hillman Greer and her husband Russ; Grandchildren – Hannah Hillman Bobich and her husband Nick, Sam Hillman and his wife Emily, Annie Hillman, Claire Hillman, Luke Hillman, Emma Greer, Lucy Greer, George Greer, Mary Margaret Greer; Great Grandsons Henry & Scotty Hillman and Great Granddaughter Nora Bobich.
Not one for formalities, Fannie would ask that in lieu of flowers- have a laugh with friends, help a neighbor in need or donate time to a favorite charity, share a smile with a stranger, spend quality time with your family and tell them you love them often.