Obituary of Hilde Gretel Koehler

Hilde took her last breath the evening of August 8, 2022 in her 88th year of life, at home in the arms of her beloved husband of 70 years, Adolf Leo Koehler. Hilde is predeceased by her parents Gertrud and Willy Dürr, and her sister Ella. She leaves behind her husband and children Tom (Mary Jane), Wolf and Eva. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Emily (Oliver), Hannah (Alex), Martha (Tom), Natallia (Martin) and Leo and great-grandchildren Lily, Max, Harry, Kira and Sophia.

Hilde and Adolf emigrated from Germany to Canada with their three young children in the late 50s and settled in Smiths Falls. At the earliest opportunity, Hilde became a proud Canadian citizen. A very social person and hard worker, Hilde became an active member of her community, raising funds for causes such as The Heart and Stroke Foundation, and served as chair of The Stagecoach Run Committee of the Smiths Falls Settlers Days.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Hilde always worked outside the home. Her vivacious personality served her well in the years she worked at Ger-Bo's Steakhouse as a waitress, and as a bank teller at RBC in Smiths Falls, Merrickville and Portland. She also had a brief career as a real estate agent for Emilio Camara Real Estate and Century 21.

Hilde loved tending to her flower gardens in the summer and trading the cold winters for relaxing months spent with Adolf in Spain, Mexico and Florida.

The children are thankful for the final years Adolf spent lovingly caring for her at home and for the neighbours who supported him. We are grateful to the staff at Bayshore Health for their sensitive in-home care, and in particular would like to thank Margaret for the dedicated and tender support shown toward Hilde in her final months.

There will be a private family service and burial to take place at a later date.