Illah D. Hjort

April 19, 1938 - March 26, 2011

Illah Hjort, 72, died peacefully at home on March 26, 2011 after a long illness. We are grateful for the loving care she received from her caregivers, Lata Fisi, Vaiola Moala, Nita Hughes and Selu Ohi as well as the wonderful nurses of the Hospice of the Central Coast and Dr. Alejandro Centurion.

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Illah was born on April 19, 1938 in Daniels, Wisconsin to Hazel and Roy Hjort. She grew up in Milwaukee where she graduated from the University of Wisconsin. She taught high school English and then attended the University of Illinois to obtain her master's degree in library science. She served as a librarian for the State of Illinois and then in 1967 came to MPUSD as District Librarian. She also taught English at Monterey High School and Los Arboles Middle School. After retiring, Illah served as reference librarian at the Seaside Branch of Monterey County Free Libraries. Always a lover of books which she read avidly, she enjoyed collecting rare books. She traveled to many parts of the globe. She also enjoyed and supported local theater and music.

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Illah is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Melanie and Steve Perner; a sister-in-law, Valerie Hjort; a niece and nephews, and many cousins. Her brother, Wally and her parents predeceased her. She will be missed by her many friends and church family.