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MCDANIEL -- Stephanie Hillaker McDaniel will be remembered for her insight, intelligence, creativity, soft voice, light touch, quiet demeanor, sympathetic ear, ready humor, and most especially for her caring heart. She died at her home in Albuquerque on June 28, after fighting ovarian cancer for two and a half years. Born to Harry James Hillaker and Betty Devaney Hillaker in Fort Worth, TX, she grew up in Fort Worth with her three younger sisters and two younger brothers. They recall what a hard act she was to follow. From 1963-66 she attended the University of Texas at Austin where she was in the honors program. She studied engineering science as one of only two women in the engineering department at the time. At UT Austin she met Dillon Heierman McDaniel, whom she married on June 4, 1966. Stephanie and Dillon moved to Albuquerque in fall 1973. She devoted her life to her husband, children, family, and friends. Seven children, whom she considered her angels, were fortunate to call her Mom. Her husband survives her, as do all of their children, who share their sorrow with their spouses: Karen and Wade Vaught (Albuquerque), Gina and David Tarver (Austin), Dillon and Laurie McDaniel (Sheffield, Ala.), Melissa and Chris Dracup (Albuquerque), Mary McDaniel Clum and Tristan Clum (Albuquerque), Katie and Marti Sarber (Washington, D.C.), and Michael and Erin McDaniel (Santa Barbara, Calif.). She leaves behind ten grandchildren (and one on the way), who were the lights of her life: Hunter, Connor, Kayla, Quinn, Addi, Aleida, Max, Nora, Wesley, and Liam. She is also survived by her parents, siblings, dozens of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews, and many other relatives and friends. Even the deep grief felt by all those who were close to her cannot match the love that she gave during her 62 years of life. She will be with us always through the love her family holds for her in their hearts. Please join us for a celebration of her life on Tuesday, July 3, 1 p.m., at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Chapel. Donations in Stephanie's name can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at ocrf.org. French Mourtuary Wyoming Blvd. Chapel
        Published on: Sun July 01, 2007