Hilda was born in Montreal, QC, June 17, 1947 to Frank and Jennie Theobald (nee North). She is survived by a sister, Frances Groleau, and two nieces Nathalie and Vanessa who continue to live around the Montreal area. Frank served with the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War in France, Italy and Holland. After the war he worked for the railway delivering packages. He died at an early age when he slipped on some ice. Jennie served as a sergeant in the Black Watch during the war and volunteered at Defense Industries Limited, Montreal, to manufacture 9mm ammunition for the troops. Jennie later worked at Montreal General Hospital where she did housekeeping for the doctor’s offices to support her family. She passed in 2008.
Hilda went to an all girls school where she completed her high school education. She was married at an early age and had two boys Ian and Kevin. She was divorced from her marriage. The boys do not keep in contact. Ed and Hilda met at a friend’s house near Toronto. Ed was fixing the friend’s TV and she thought he was the TV repair man. Their friendship and relationship grew over time. They loved to share the out-of-doors and all the wildlife it had to offer. They hunted and fished together and enjoyed the reclusive atmosphere of northern Ontario as an escape from the hustle and bustle of big city Toronto.
They were married on September 30, 1989 at the Holiday Inn Yorkdale, Toronto. There were actually three ladies from Gladstone who attended the wedding. Hilda was given away by her uncle and Ed’s brother Jim was the best man. The toast to the bride became roast the bride. Ed stated that, “a little of the west had rubbed off on his bride in that she had become quite skilled at corralling the dust bunnies and keeping them all under the bed.” It was quite a party.
Ed and Hilda retired to Gladstone in 2001 from Toronto. They soon became involved in Gladstone Access TV. Hilda started her own weekly program called Talk About Town where she interviewed various people of broad community interest. During the Provincial Election she prepared questions for the local candidates and then interviewed them individually for Access TV.
Hilda joined the Gladstone Legion Ladies Auxiliary and became president. She became the Zone Commander and went to Convention to represent her members. When the Gladstone Auxiliary closed, Hilda joined the Plumas Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She always said her service to the Auxiliary was in honour of her father’s service during the war.
Hilda had a very outgoing and comforting personality. She loved meeting new people and within minutes they would be telling her their life story. She was always excited about attending Legion Convention to renew acquaintances and meet new like minded members.
Hilda passed away at the Seven Regions Hospital in Gladstone on November 01, 2018. Her earthly vessel is empty now, but the many fond memories of her continue.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Hilda Jean Snell June 17 1947 November 1 2018 (age 71)..
Décès pour la Ville: Gladstone, Province: Manitoba
