A wave of worry has gripped the East Bay as Amy Hillyard, a beloved community figure and co-owner of Farley’s Coffee, has vanished. Her disappearance has left friends, colleagues, and the organizations she championed reeling with concern, and a desperate search is underway.
Hillyard isn’t just a businesswoman; she’s a leader who has guided major organizations, including Apple, Gap, and Electronic Arts, offering her expertise as a consultant. Beyond the corporate world, she dedicated herself to service, lending her skills to nonprofits like the Marine Mammal Center and currently serving as board president of the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir.
The Children’s Choir expressed profound shock and sadness, stating that Hillyard is “such an important part of our organization” and their hearts are with her and her family. Her absence has created a palpable void within the close-knit community she so actively supported.
The story takes on a haunting resonance when considering the history of Farley’s Coffee itself. Founded in 1989 by Amy’s father-in-law, Roger Hillyard, the café was named in memory of *his* grandfather, Jack Farley, who mysteriously disappeared in the 1920s – a chilling echo across generations.
Amy and her brother, Chris, expanded Farley’s Coffee from its original Potrero Hill location into a beloved East Bay staple, establishing it as more than just a coffee shop. It became a community hub, a place built on connection and shared space – values that those who know Amy say she fiercely embodied.
For over two decades, Hillyard has been a passionate and active member of the Oakland community, leaving an indelible mark on those around her. The collective hope is for her safe return, and any information, no matter how small, is urgently needed.
Hundreds gathered near Lake Merritt over the weekend, holding a candlelight vigil that illuminated the growing anxiety and widespread concern. The scene was a powerful testament to the impact Amy has had on so many lives.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Oakland Police Department. The family is specifically requesting that individuals with potential video footage or tips come forward as the search intensifies, hoping to bring Amy home.
