Obituary for Hildegard Grieger (Schmidts)
Hildegard (Schmidts) Grieger, 88, passed peacefully on April 22, 2021, from natural causes, almost 10 years to the day after losing her husband, Hans. She was a fighter until the end. Having survived scarlet fever, twice fleeing the Russian army, an ocean crossing to a new land, heart surgery, widowhood and COVID, she was a model of persistence with grace.
Born in Romania, fleeing with her family to Germany then Austria, moving to the US, raising her family in Pennsylvania before moving to Florida and then to Massachusetts to be closer to her daughters, she faced each new challenge as an opportunity. After working for many years as domestic help, she then secured a position in central supply at Sewickley Valley Hospital, eventually working her way up to OR tech. When they retired, she and Hans moved to North Port, Florida, where they enjoyed walking, swimming, bike riding, and tending their ever-pristine yard. She was an incredible cook, a caring friend, and a loving mother, sister, wife and Omi. Even though her last few years were marred by dementia, she remained grateful for those around her, and for the many good years she enjoyed with Hans, her girls and her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sisters, Marianne and Marta, of Ontario, Canada; daughters Hilda, Kate and Amy and their spouses, all of Massachusetts; and grandchildren John, Erica, Hayley and Linda.
Due to COVID considerations, the family will hold a small, private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, to help eradicate the illness that claimed her beloved Hans.
Born in Romania, fleeing with her family to Germany then Austria, moving to the US, raising her family in Pennsylvania before moving to Florida and then to Massachusetts to be closer to her daughters, she faced each new challenge as an opportunity. After working for many years as domestic help, she then secured a position in central supply at Sewickley Valley Hospital, eventually working her way up to OR tech. When they retired, she and Hans moved to North Port, Florida, where they enjoyed walking, swimming, bike riding, and tending their ever-pristine yard. She was an incredible cook, a caring friend, and a loving mother, sister, wife and Omi. Even though her last few years were marred by dementia, she remained grateful for those around her, and for the many good years she enjoyed with Hans, her girls and her grandchildren.
She is survived by her sisters, Marianne and Marta, of Ontario, Canada; daughters Hilda, Kate and Amy and their spouses, all of Massachusetts; and grandchildren John, Erica, Hayley and Linda.
Due to COVID considerations, the family will hold a small, private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, to help eradicate the illness that claimed her beloved Hans.