Hillary Lee Landers died on Thursday, July 23 after a long illness. She was 63.

Hillary was born on July 4, 1957, in Pittsfield, the daughter of Betty and Jack Landers. Her formative years were spent in Weston and she attended secondary school in Milton and Mt. Kisco, N.Y. Hillary graduated from Skidmore College in 1982, where she majored in political science and history. She was a four-year varsity member of the tennis and basketball teams and athletic prowess earned her induction into Skidmore’s hall of fame.

After graduation, she worked as a corporate auditor for General Electric. In 1985, she moved to Martha’s Vineyard, her home for much of her life. She worked as a realtor for Barbara Nevin Real Estate and later, with Lisa Stewart, started her own realty company in Edgartown called Lighthouse Properties.

Hillary suffered a tragic accident in 2006 that left her a quadriplegic. She spent her last years in Harwich and Yarmouth. Hillary was a devoted mother to her son, Jason Polaski, of Hampden, Conn.

She is predeceased by her parents and brother, Glenn.

She is survived by her sister, Sue, brother, John, and many other family members and friends who loved her and were inspired by her strength and irrepressible optimistic spirit.

A family funeral service is being planned and a celebration of Hillary’s life will be held when all can safely gather. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Federation of the Blind or a charity of your choosing.

For online condolences and details, please visit nickersonfunerals.com.