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Hilde Kirrmaier (Walter)
March 17, 1938 - January 14, 2017
Tribute
ilde Kirrmaier
March 17, 1938 – January 14, 2017
I love to go a wandering,
along the mountain track,
and as I go, I love to sing,
my knapsack on my back.
Hilde Kirrmaier (nee Walter) was born in Berlin, Germany, the third of five children. Shortly after WWII erupted, the family fled the battlefront and moved from home to home. Her love for children and learning led her to pursue a certificate in early childhood education, followed by work as a nanny and play-school teacher. In 1958 she immigrated to Canada where she spent her first years in the hamlet of Goodsoil, Saskatchewan, enrolling in the high school there to improve her English skills. A move to Edmonton provided new opportunities; a job in a bank, starting her own play-school, and joining a German choir where she met Rudy. They married in 1961 and raised three daughters in a cozy home filled with love, music, crafts, and summers camping. In 1969 she and Rudy started dancing and subsequently spearheaded and led the Bavarian Schuhplattlers of Edmonton for 18 years. Hilde also contributed to the preservation of German language and culture by teaching children for many years, receiving numerous awards. She revelled in her role as Oma to her two grandsons who were born in 1992 and 1999. Hilde's love for gardening and the great outdoors continued when she and Rudy retired to Kimberley in 1999. Here she connected with like-minded, active women and co-founded the Go Girls and Biker Babes who have enjoyed hiking, cross-country skiing, and cycling in Canada and abroad.
A celebration of life will take place on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Kimberley Nordic Centre between 11am-2pm. Songs, stories, and poems are welcome. Pack your ski gear if you think you would like to do a loop around the trails afterwards. This is an indoor/outdoor casual event. Dress for the weather!
Oh, may I go a-wandering
until the day I die!
Oh, may I always laugh and sing,
beneath God’s clear blue sky!
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff
Mark Memorial Funeral Services Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Mary Louise McIntyre
Relation: Relationship - How did you know the deceased?
My thoughts are with you, Erika, and your family in the loss of your dear mother. She was truly a treasure. take care.
From: Bernie Kreiner
Relation: She was my aunt
To Onkel Rudy and Erika, Ingrid and Heidi:
Connie and I (and my Dad) wish you all be best at this time as you grieve the loss of your partner and mother. Tante Hilde was a most wonderful lady, we were so blessed to be able to visit again last summer. (with Helmut) My memories of Tante Hilda are many, and you have captured her spirit so well with the day-pack hiker photograph and “wander song”. Some defining memories for me was how she supported your puppet plays in the hallway in Whitecourt house during first advent get togethers, and how she was so amazingly friendly and gentle when we visited in Millwoods and since. Her love of family, nature and gardening was also apparent, something that allowed her to always have a wonderful outlook. (My bias–nature helps us with that!!) For us, Hilda was an amazing and loving person; keenly pursuing all her interests with kindness, love and creativity.
Best wishes, Bernie, Connie and Helmut.
From: Fred Kreiner
Relation: Nephew
Visiting Hilde always meant feeling welcome and sharing a laugh. It kept me grounded when I was in Edmonton going to university. My thoughts are with Rudy, Erika, Ingrid and Heidi.
From: Maria and Bill Constantinescu
Relation: Relationship - How did you know the deceased?
Rudy and family
Those we love are always with us in the gifts that they have shared,
their laughter, warmth and wisdom, and the special way they cared.
May those treasures help console you in a gentile lasting way, and fill your hearts with memories that bring comfort day by day.
Sending this to you in deepest sympathy for your loss and sorrow for your pain.
From: Virginia Watson
Relation: neighbour and friend
I admired Hilde for her love of the outdoors and her CAN DO spirit. She was an inspiration to us all and will be thought of often as we continue hiking and skiing. I know I will sing her song next time I am out.
From: Yolande Boudreau
Relation: Part of Hilde's Go-Girls
I have known Hilde for the past eleven years. I was blessed to get acquainted with such a wonderful woman through the Go-Girls of which she was one of the pioneers. Don joins me to wish our sincerest condolences to Rudi, Erika, Ingrid and Heidi.
From: RoseMarie Jalbert (presently in Australia)
Relation: Friend: Go Go Girls Hiking
Rudy and family, my heart is full of sadness at Hilde’s passing. My memories of Hilde are: smiles, gentle, hiking, kindness, flowers, singing, cycling, generous, enjoying the great outdoors, always a lady.
From: Betty & Bob McAllister
Relation: Edmonton Neighbor and Friend
Dear Kirrmaier Family,
No words can say how sad we feel for your loss. Her children and many others including myself got to experience the nurturing side of Hilde. Your mom’s hospitality was always warm and welcoming from my childhood to adult. She left us too soon, but left a legacy of a life well lived. And while she lies in peace full sleep, her memory we shall always keep.
From: Marie Kozak
Relation: I know her daughter Erica
Im very sad to say I did not know Hilde, but I know her daughter Erica and have always loved her and admired her, sounds to me that she is very much like her beautiful mother………….
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
January 20, 2017
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
Kimberley Nordic Centre
301 North Star Blvd.
Kimberley, BC Canada
301 North Star Blvd.
Kimberley, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
MJ’s Floral Boutique
24 10th Avenue South
Cranbrook BC V1C 2M8
250.526.5689
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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Send Condolence - For Hilde Kirrmaier
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