Obituary of Hilda Birkett

Passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener, on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at age 91. Hilda, of England, Ancaster and Waterloo, was the loving mother of Nicholas (Ottawa) and Stephen (Waterloo) Birkett and grandmother of Christopher, Matthew, Emma and Andrew Birkett. She was predeceased by Misha, her dearly loved husband of 62 years, and by her parents Albert and Alice Elam. Hilda will be sorely missed by her family and her many friends. Hilda was born in England in 1921. She married Misha in 1947. They emigrated to Canada with their two children in 1956 and settled in Southern Ontario where Hilda worked as a secondary school teacher and head of department, teaching modern languages. She was particularly passionate about promoting the German language and culture in Canada, organizing cultural events and establishing an Ontario-wide German language competition for high school students. She was also an avid support of the Girl Guide movement. Hilda was a loving and kind woman who was devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren. She loved traveling, especially by boat in rough seas. Her favorite destinations were in Germany, Switzerland and the Lake District in her native England. A life-long member of the Society of Friends (Quakers), she was devoted to peace and harmony in the world. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the staff of Parkwood Mennonite Home and St. Mary's Hospital. A private interment has been held. A Celebration of Life will be held for Hilda Birkett on June 30, 2013 at 2p.m. at the Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Rd.This will be followed by an English Tea Reception for family and friends at the church. In lieu of flowers, Hilda requested donations to the Canada Friends Service Committee (quakerservice.ca) or to Parkwood Mennonite Home. These can be arranged directly or through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.