Jill Wilbert

Jill L. Wilbert, who grew up in Port Washington, was dedicated to helping others throughout her life.

It was a passion she nurtured, earning a degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, then working with children who have emotional, behavioral and mental health issues at Tomorrow’s Children in Waupaca.

Mrs. Wilbert then went to work at CAP Services in Wautoma, helping the victims of domestic abuse.

“She tried to help everybody,” her father Ron Paradeis said. “She helped place a lot of women in safe places to live.”

One woman told him that Mrs. Wilbert helped her turn her life around, Mr. Paradeis said.

“This woman meant so much to so many people,” her family said, noting she brought “joy and laughter to so many lives. Jill’s dedication to her family, community and work is something that was special.”

 Mrs. Wilbert died of cancer Friday, April 26, at her home in Wild Rose. She was 47.

She was diagnosed with cancer a year ago and fought the disease valiantly, her father said.

The deep friendships Mrs. Wilbert forged during her lifetime were precious to her, and these friends lent her needed support during her fight, he added.

Mrs. Wilbert was born in Sheboygan on Aug. 12, 1971, the daughter of Ronald and Anne St. Peter Paradeis.

She graduated from Port Washington High School in 1989 and married Matthew Wilbert on April 13, 1996, in Kohler.

The couple moved to Wild Rose in 1998.

“She was really active in Wild Rose,” her father said, particularly in the school system.

Mrs. Wilbert enjoyed camping, traveling and watching her son’s athletic endeavors.

She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan who had season tickets to the team’s games.

She also enjoyed gardening, particularly flower gardening, and scrapbooking with her sister Julie.

Mrs. Wilbert is survived by her husband Matthew of Wild Rose; sons Nicholas and Brett, both of Wild Rose; father Ronald Paradeis of Port Washington; brother Todd Paradeis of New York City; sister Julie (Peter) Smith of Merton; brother-in-law Mike (Chris) Wilbert of Green Bay; and sisters-in-law Julie (Al) von der Linden of Kansas City; Lori Wilbert of Illinois and Kim (Dan) Gromala of the Chicago area.

She was preceded in death by her mother Anne Paradeis.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, April 30, at Hope Lutheran Church in Wautoma. The Rev. Mike Thomas officiated.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be used to establish a scholarship for social work students in Mrs. Wilbert’s name.