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ALACHUA COUNTY – Friends, family and members of the animal-welfare community will gather later this month to honor the life and legacy of Hilary Hynes, a longtime advocate for animals whose work left a lasting mark on Alachua County.

A Celebration of Life for Hynes will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Depot Park Pavilions in Gainesville. The event is open to the public, with organizers encouraging community members who supported Hynes’ work to attend and share in her remembrance.

Hynes served as Public Education Coordinator for Alachua County Animal Services, where she became widely recognized as the public face of the department. Though she did not hold the director’s title, she was often the person residents associated with county animal services through outreach, education and adoption efforts.

In 2009, Hynes founded the “Paws on Parole” program, a partnership that paired inmates with shelter dogs for training. The program proved highly successful, significantly increasing adoption rates while providing benefits for both the animals and the inmates involved.

She also reached thousands of viewers through her weekly “Adopt-A-Pet” television segment on WCJB TV20, where she regularly featured adoptable cats and dogs in hopes of placing them in permanent homes. Through that segment, Hynes found her own dog, Truman, who is now living with one of her friends.

Beyond media outreach, Hynes spent years visiting schools and community events, educating children and adults alike about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Her work focused heavily on community engagement and encouraging adoption from local shelters.

Hynes passed away in November 2025. Friends said she faced ongoing health challenges, including diabetes and a battle with cancer, but remained positive throughout. Those closest to her said she never wavered from what they described as her life’s mission: finding animals their forever homes.

Beth Brady, a close friend, described Hynes as someone with an outsized presence. “She was a huge, huge personality, and a huge presence,” Brady said. Brady also noted Hynes’ background in emergency services, adding that “Hilary used to be a paramedic, so helping others was in her bones.”

Hynes’ sister, Patty Czech, said the support of the community has brought comfort during a difficult time. “I personally want to be able to thank the community so much for all of their love and support through difficult times for her, and at the adoption events to come out and cheer her on,” Czech said. “She thrived. That was her passion.”

Czech said her sister’s personality remains what she remembers most vividly. “Her generosity, her spirit, she had a special smile and giggle, and her love of people and animals combined was a beautiful fit,” she said.

Organizers said the celebration is intended not only to honor Hynes’ life, but also to recognize the community that supported her work and shared in her commitment to animal welfare.

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Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

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