HILDEBRAND: Margaret

Margaret Ann Hildebrand (Wightman), 96, peacefully left this world as the sun set on September 6, 2020, to join her husband, John.
Margaret was born on July 8, 1924 at her grandparent’s farm in Kinloss Township, Bruce County and raised on the family farm near Westfield, Ontario. She and John were married on August 14, 1948 at the Auburn United Church. Where she and John were lifetime members.
Margaret is survived by her sister Hattie Boothman, her children Eldo (Johanna), Raymond (Gwen Richardson), Allan (Connie Herlufsen), Faye (Andrew Puntch), grandchildren Martina Verboom (Adrian), Kristina Taylor (Jay), Andrew Herlufsen (Margie), Keith Hildebrand, Grace Hildebrand, Stephen Hildebrand, and great grandchildren Kenzie and Logan Herlufsen.

Predeceased by her husband, John, parents Earl and Elleda, and brothers Elvin, Harvey, and Norman.
Margaret was an active member of the Donnybrook UCW and the Auburn United Church. She was a leader in 4-H for many years teaching sewing, cooking, and gardening.
She was an active gardener, growing and preserving most of the vegetables and fruit the family ate. Margaret also grew strawberries for sale to the local community and even some grocery stores. She also looked after gathering eggs from the 7,200 laying hen operation.
Many a winter was spent with a quilt up in the living room that she would patiently quilt away at by herself, or when the local ladies came for a quilting bee.
Margaret could do almost any handiwork, knitting, crocheting, hair-pin lace, tatting, pin loom weaving as well as sewing most of the clothes for her daughter. She was also an avid baker, making lots of delicious cookies, pies and cakes for the family.
For many years, Margaret monitored the Maitland River’s level and took water samples for the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. During spring ice break up this meant twice daily trips to the river to take readings.
Margaret and John also took several trips to Alberta and did many hikes in the Rockies, something both Margaret and John loved to do. They also travelled the Alaska Highway, and have been to South America and Hawaii. After John retired, he kitted out a Ford Econoline van for camping and they took

several trips east and west with the van staying at campgrounds and exploring the sights.
Although a woman of few words, Margaret made a lasting impression on those who had an opportunity to meet her. Her quiet presence will be missed by family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Auburn United Church or the charity of your choice.