April 7, 2024
Hilda Born passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, April 7th at the age of 93, while living at the Trillium/Bevan Village in Abbotsford, BC.
She was predeceased by her husband Jake just last year (they were married for nearly 70 years). Her prayers during the past months were answered - she is now with Jesus and Jake.
Hilda is survived by her five children David (Loraine), Teresa, John (Ellie), J. Bryan (Teresa) and Matthew (Debbie), as well as her 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Wiens and Lore (John) Reemeyer.
She was born and grew up on a farm near the village of Blumenort, southern Saskatchewan. In her late teens, she joined her parents in Matsqui Prairie to help them cleanup after the 1948 Flood. Hilda trained to be a teacher, and although her family and dairy farm responsibilities pulled her out of the classroom after just a few years, she remained an educator throughout her life.
She completed her BA degree at age 63, and with typing help from husband Jake, she wrote 8 books and had hundreds of articles published. Hilda's life revolved around family, farm, church and community.
Having experienced scarcity while growing up in the Great Depression, the destruction of the 1948 Flood, and then severe rheumatoid arthritis (all before the age of 30), she pledged to the Lord that if He would give her strength, she would try to assist the weak, needy, and those ignored by others.
Hilda's unique gifts and personality will not be soon forgotten. Her life was characterized by dogged perseverance, hard work, a keen sense of justice, a generous spirit, and a deep commitment to Christ and the church.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 30th at 11:00 AM at Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church.
Online condolences to the family may be made to www.wiebandjeskefh.com