Hilary A. Elliot

Hilary Elliot (née Warnock) of New York, New York, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 85.

Hilary was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Kathleen and Thomas Warnock, and was the second of three sisters. She left Belfast at age 10 and later graduated from St. Columba’s in Howth, Dublin, before attending business school. After graduation, she worked for a few years alongside her father at Ulster Bank, Dublin.

In 1963, Hilary moved to New York City. Soon after, she began working in the fiscal office at Cornell University, where she would meet her future husband, Jeffrey Elliot. The couple married in Ireland on July 17, 1970, and remained in New York, where they raised their only child, Amanda Elliot.

Hilary had a remarkable 50-year career at Cornell University in NYC, retiring in 2013. Known for her strong work ethic, she truly loved her job and was deeply dedicated to both her work and her family. She enjoyed spending time with loved ones and will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, relative, friend—and proud feline "furbaby" grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey, and their daughter, Amanda, as well as her beloved grandcat, Pandora. She also leaves behind her younger sister, Lorna Kavanagh, and nephews John Paul Kavanagh, Conor Kavanagh, Loughlin O’Nolan, and Cormac O’Nolan. Hilary was predeceased by her parents and older sister, Clare O’Nolan.

A celebration of Hilary’s life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Ave, Pelham, NY, on Thursday, July 17, from 4–8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, July 18, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 15 Cedar St, Bronxville, NY. Interment will take place in Ireland.

In lieu of flowers, the family please ask that you kindly make a donation in Hilary's memory to an Alzheimer's charity or foundation of your choice. 

For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit: www.pelhamfuneral.com