Michelle D. (Shongo) Hilton

1968-2026

After a long illness, and with her sister at her side, Michelle D. (Shongo) Hilton, 58, of Jamestown, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, at UPMC Chautauqua.

She was born in Jamestown, New York on January 12, 1968, the daughter of John C. and Becky S. (Scowden) Shongo. She was a graduate of Southwestern Central School and received a Bachelor’s in Political Science from St. Bonaventure University. She studied the German language for 6 years with the idea of becoming an interpreter at the UN in New York City. She took piano lessons for many years. Fur Elise and Sweet Home Alabama were favorite pieces to play.

Michelle started working while still in high school, first for a dry cleaner (which she hated) and for a bar in downtown Jamestown which she enjoyed. After college she worked for her step-father John L. Goodell and later for her step-brother Andrew W Goodell at their law office for over twenty-five years. She was good at her job and made many friends.

Michelle is survived by her husband, Kevin J. Hilton, whom she married on May 13, 2000, her parents, John C. Shongo of Ireland and Becky S. Holmstrom of Jamestown, two children; Jillian Hilton and James Hilton both of Jamestown, four grand-daughters; Harper, Rae, Erin and Avery, 10 Siblings, Colleen (Brett) Shafer, David, Thomas, Andrew, Richard and Daniel Goodell, Kristin, Victoria, Shelly and Mark Holmstrom, nieces Alexandra and Elizabeth Harrison, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Graveside Funeral services for close family and friends will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday (June 19, 2026) at the Hillside Haven Cemetery, Bunker Hill Road in the Town of Coldspring. A Celebration of Life will also take place on Sunday (July 12, 2026) at 1:00 PM from the Greek Club on Jackson Avenue in Celoron, NY.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the VanRensselaer & Son Funeral Home, 14 Church Street, Randolph. In Lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to the https://liverfoundation.org Condolences can be left for the family by logging onto; www.vanrensselaerandsonfuneralhome.com.