HILDA BRYDON

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HILDA BRYDON Peacefully, and with dignity, Hilda Brydon passed away at Middlechurch Home on March 7, 2007. She was born in Rishton, Lancs., England, on April 3, 1914, to James and Alice Gunn. In her youth, she was a scholarship winner, an athlete, and a very independent, feisty and adventurous woman. She was the only female member of the Spelunking Society, routinely participated in 30-mile hikes, cycled all over Europe by herself, and lost her front teeth playing field hockey. During the Second World War, she worked in the Land Army, and met her future husband, Stuart, a Canadian airman. They married on January 20, 1945. Shortly thereafter, Stuart was posted back to Canada, and Hilda followed with their son, John, in 1948. They settled in West Kildonan, where their daughter, Janet, was born. Mom was an avid reader and took great pride in being a founding member of West Kildonan Library in 1967; also serving many subsequent years on the board. She loved gardening, and was especially known for her roses. She spent many hours with her four grandchildren, passing on her love of books, plants, cooking and baking, knitting and needlework. In 1984, her granddaughters presented flowers to Queen Elizabeth wearing their Grandma-knit outfits. In 2000, with failing health, Hilda and Stuart left West Kildonan and moved to Woodlands Courts in Selkirk. Then, after Stuart's death in 2005, Hilda went to Betel Home and finally to Middlechurch Home. Hilda was predeceased by her husband Stuart; her parents; her brothers, Jack and Jim; nephew Geoffrey and niece Patricia. She leaves to celebrate her life her son John and wife Kathy, granddaughters, Heather Brydon and Lynne (Cam) White and great-grandsons, Alistair and Lachlan; daughter Janet and husband Ed Smith, grandson Ian Smith and granddaughter Gillian (Robert) Maxwell. Family was everything to her and their many accomplishments were her continued source of pride. We, the family, gratefully thank the many people who have helped care for her over the years: Winnipeg Home Care, Woodlands Courts, Selkirk Home Care, Selkirk General Hospital, Dr. Habtu Demsas, Betel Home, and most recently, Middlechurch Home. In accordance with her specific request, she has been cremated, and the family will hold a private service when the Peace roses are in bloom. Flowers are for the living, and are gratefully declined. Should you wish to make a donation in her memory, she has requested that you do so to the Children's Hospital. She was a lady in every sense.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2007