Obituary - Virginia Hildenbrand

Virginia Lorraine Hildenbrand (nee Anderson), a caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at AgeCare Sunrise Gardens in Brooks, Alberta, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the age of 98 years. Virginia was born in Brooks on April 5, 1926, the first of five children to Fred and Olivia Anderson. She spent most of her early life on the farm in Scandia, helping with her four younger siblings as well as the home and farm chores while attending Jenny Lind School. Virginia was also an accomplished pianist and vocalist, singing in numerous choirs over the years. She enjoyed singing in church choirs, especially the opportunity to sing with her Anderson family at Salem Lutheran Church in Scandia.

Jim and Virginia were married in 1948, moving to Taber shortly thereafter. This is where they spent the majority of their married life, raising their family while contributing to the social and economic life in Taber. While in Taber, they spent a number of their retirement winters in Yuma, Arizona.

In their later years, Jim and Virginia moved to Medicine Hat where she continued to enjoy canning and baking, journaling, quilting and especially sharing her highly popular cinnamon rolls and ginger snaps, the recipes for which have been passed down.

Jim passed in 2008, while they were living in Medicine Hat. Thereafter, Virginia found companionship with Edwin Deering, and they spent a number of years together until her health necessitated another move. This time, she moved back to her old stomping grounds in Brooks to AgeCare Sunrise Gardens where she spent her last years respectfully and warmly cared for by a wonderful staff as well as her loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Family wish to thank everyone for the care, love and understanding Virginia received over her many years, some of which were not easy.

Virginia was predeceased by her parents; three brothers, Kermith, Ron and Doug; son, Robert and husband, James. She is survived by her sister, Elaine; sister-in-law, Carol; son, Don (Henny) and daughter, Deb (Bryan). She is also survived by grandchildren, Scott (Krista); Erik (Victoria); Corina (Trevor) and Taylor (Hannah); great-grandchildren, Olivia, Naomi and Eve Gelmon and their father Michael; Izayeh Tomczyk, Nathaniel, Eliza and Madeline Hildebrand.

Heaven has received another deserving member of the team of walking and whistling angels. Virginia’s celebration of life will be held at a later date.