Tongchan Hillegass

Tongchan Hillegass, age 77, sadly passed away on January 27, 2026, in Peyton, Colorado.

She was born on May 17, 1948, in Khon Kaen Thailand, to parents Suad Kanu and See Kanu. Tongchan, lovingly known as “Penny”, married Freddie Hillegass on March 21, 1975, while he was stationed in Thailand.

She was a devoted and loving mother and yaya to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She never met a cat or dog she didn’t like and will missed by Max, Genesis and Minnie.

She loved living in the country taking daily walks or even sitting outside and listening to the birds and wildlife. She especially cherished Tuesday lunches with her loving friend, Marie.

We watched her make a new friend wherever she went, effortlessly striking up conversations and making everyone feel as if they had known her for years. She had the biggest heart and loved everyone who crossed her path. She will be greatly missed by many.

Preceding Tongchan in death are her loving husband Freddie Hillegass, parents Suad and See Kanu, grandson Isaiah Thomas, great-grandson A.J. Birks.

Those left behind to cherish Tongchan’s memory are daughter Cindy (Bradley) Oswald, granddaughter Danya Goodell, grandson Drake Goodell, great-granddaughter Aaliyah Birks and great grandson Kai Knight. Son Daniel Hillegass and granddaughter Peyton Hillegass. Daughter Kristie (Joshua) Thomas, and granddaughters TyLynn and Jordan Thomas.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 2:00PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Blvd. Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925. Light refreshments to follow, after the service. Please see the Hillegass family for details and address. Condolences may be sent to the Hillegass family at 12050 Sand Place Peyton, CO 80831.

Until we meet again, Yaya see you in Heaven. “God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered, ‘Come to Me”

“For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Corinthians 12:10