In Loving Memory of
Hildegard "Hilde" Wheeler
January 1, 1942 ~ October 17, 2025
Obituary of Hildegard "Hilde" Wheeler
A Celebration of Life for Hilde will be held in July 2026 in St. Catharines. Please email [email protected] for further details. Thank you.With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Hildegard “Hilde” Wheeler on October 17, 2025, in Hamilton, Ontario.
Hilde is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Alan; her children, Susan (Christopher Johnston) of Ottawa, Ben (Ingrid Anand, children Marella and Fisher) of Burnaby; and Harry (Celeste Konopka) of Hamilton.
Hilde wanted her family and friends to celebrate her life with joy. The family will be honouring Hilde’s wishes and planning a celebration of life in 2026; details will be forthcoming. We look forward to gathering, sharing stories, laughter and music, and remembering Hilde in the spirit she radiated.
Hilde Wheeler was born on New Year’s Day, 1942, in Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan during a raging winter snowstorm. Hilde’s life began with the kind of spirit and determination that would define her for decades.
The daughter of Theodore (Theo) Kretzer and Marie Kiliyan, and the youngest of three children, Hilde was the last living family member. The Kretzer family worked very hard to build a life, farming a plot of land that her Dad bought after saving up money for about two years after he emigrated to Canada from Germany before meeting and marrying her Mom. Hilde took that farm work ethic with her, rolling up her sleeves and getting ‘er done.
Hilde was an intelligent, talented and courageous woman. Upon finishing high school in the prairies, she moved to Edmonton to pursue studies as a lab technologist. Hilde met the love of her life, Alan, in Edmonton in 1961. They married in Lloydminster on June 6, 1964 and moved to Grande Prairie for Alan’s teaching job the following September. Hilde remained very close to her immediate and extended family members on both sides. Family first!
In 1967, never having travelled outside of Canada, Hilde and Alan moved from Grande Prairie, Alberta to Tanga, Tanzania — the first of many bold moves that would shape their life together. They lived overseas on various postings: Tanga for five years, Penang, Malaysia for a year, and Karachi, Pakistan for five years. The international trips taken throughout her life deepened Hilde’s appreciation for the culinary arts, culture, people and new experiences and nourished her curious and adventurous soul. She loved meeting new people, learning new recipes, and playing bridge wherever and whenever she could.
A gifted artist, Hilde followed her passion for art while raising her family. She devoted over a decade to art studies at the Ontario College of Art and Design, where she found joy and mastery in dyeing and painting on silk. She later refined her craft through study in Japan and Italy. Her work was admired — she sold pieces at the Port Dalhousie Craft Guild, at One of a Kind in Toronto, and even sold a silk-painted jacket to then Governor General, The Honourable Adrienne Clarkson.
Hilde’s interests extended beyond her art. She was always interested in natural healing techniques. A master Reiki practitioner, she volunteered her healing gifts for many years through Hospice in St. Catharines and Wellspring Niagara. She was very active in the bridge community, first in person at the Bridge Centre of Niagara and then online on Bridgebase Online (BBO) with experts from around the world. What started as a social gathering with good friends in St. Catharines such as Brenda and Jon Radue, the MacKenzies, the O’Reillys, and others, Hilde took her bridge playing skills to friendly and fierce competitions where she loved to play duplicate bridge. Hilde was also very active in the Unitarian Universalist Church in St. Catharines and worked alongside Alan as the property manager there.
Hilde loved entertaining people in her inviting home. Her home was filled with vibrancy, flowers, and treasures from abroad. Hilde and Alan were consummate hosts, who loved to treat others to scrumptious meals, great conversations, and fun times. She planned special menus and experimented with new recipes all the time. This passion of hers then spilled over to help others.
Hilde and Joyce Reger planned and prepared monthly special menus for the Bridge Centre of Niagara’s Saturday Night Socials. They went on to publish a cookbook called “Dealicious” to help raise funds on the 10 th anniversary of the Bridge Centre of Niagara. Hilde and Alan loved being a part of the Slow Food Niagara group. Hilde was keen to introduce others to healthy, nutritious snacks and meals at church and at home.
In the past year Hilde faced the challenges of mixed dementia and a decline in mobility. She courageously endured illness, including a recent hospitalization for pneumonia and infection.
Throughout her health struggles she longed for and cherished the companionship of her beloved Alan. Her resilience, dignity and loving heart remained evident to all who cared for her.
Hilde lived fully, loved deeply, and left a beautiful legacy of service and family. She will be missed beyond words. She is remembered with gratitude, laughter and love.
This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the consent from Essentials Cremation and Burial Services or the family.
Service Information
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Hospice NiagaraVisit Site
Wellspring Niagara
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Out of the Cold
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Alzheimer’s Society of Canada
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Only today did we learn of Hilde’s passing and were deeply saddened. We spent about 10 years ( from about 2010)leading a meditation group at the Unitarian church on Sunday evenings, Hilde & Alan were such dedicated meditators and facilitators for the group. We truly missed them when COVID prevented our. gathering and then later we learned of their move to Dundas. When I spoke to Hilde once after that, she sounded so happy with her life there. We always felt that Hilde and Alan had such joy of life and generosity of spirit and such love and pride for their family.
With our heartfelt and much belated condolences.
Elaine & Joel Beane
Pardon these belated condolences, as our ageing Mom, Mary, who adored Hilde and grew up like a sibling with dear Allan, needed some care of her own. mary, jennifer, bruce and peter all send their warmest wishes to our cousins, Susan Ben and Harry and cousin Allan during this time of loss. xoxoxox
As part of the bridge-playing community of Niagara, we met many wonderful people with Hilde being one of the most gracious, intelligent and endearing of that group. When we made a group decision to start the Bridge Centre of
Niagara, Hilde (and Al too, of course) were right there with their energetic personalities contributing immensely to the project. We have since left Niagara but took with us memories of wonderful people like Hilde. May you rest in peace-you will always be remembered!
Dear Alan, Susan, Ben and Harry, You are in my heart as I think of your great loss. Hilde was an important friend to me and our whole family when we met in Tanga so many years ago. We were encouraged to follow our dreams by you, and you remained a good friend throughout the years. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I know that Hilde’s spirit is strong and lives on forever. Much love, Bori Tornai & family ( Flora & Jeff, Greg, Lillian and Diana, Reka & Ivan, Monica , Ben, Martin and 3 kids Jessica, Evan, Nick )
Dear Alan and family
Hilde has left us with wonderful memories of our times together in Pakistan and in St. Catherines She was a force of nature, always ready for new adventures in new places or new foods or new friends. Both of you were gifts to us when we met you in Karachi. Then when we all were back in Canada you hosted us many times and introduced us to dinners and parties at the winery. Our deepest sympathy to you Alan and your family. There is no and doubt that you will miss Hilde deeply as we all will in our own ways. Love to you Alan and your family.. Grace Stanley and Garry Niece
The CMHA – Hamilton, Peer Support Services & Street Team send their thoughts to your family at this difficult time.
Dear Alan,
It was a pleasure to know you and Hilde through the Freewheelers. You were wonderful role models of the loving partnership of marriage.
I am so sorry for your loss.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hilde, a long-time Hospice Niagara volunteer whose kindness and compassion touched countless lives. Hilde will be remembered with deep gratitude and love by all who had the privilege to know her.
Dear Al. I was so very sad to read that Hilde passed. She was such an amazing lady and really helped me physically and emotionally. We had so many great conversations during my reiki sessions. Take care.
Fondly
Cathy Hall
Dear Alan and Family:
So so sad to hear of Hilde’s death. Phil and I have cherished memories of our fun times together – laughter, good food and rudimentary bridge. Alan , your acting skills were usually on display! Hilde’s re-assuring smile and gentle nature are memorable. May Hilde’s gentle soul rest in peace. Thinking of you, Alan, and Family..
How fortunate Bob & I were to have known and shared life with Hilde & Alan . Hilde was an inspiration to all who knew her. Hilde was totally devoted to her husband Alan , her 3 children and grandchildren and set a fine example for all of us to follow. She’ll remain forever in our hearts and memories . Rest in peace Hilde …. Love Jackie
My deepest sympathy to Alan, Susan, Ben and Harry and their families. It was my privilege to know all from the time of the children’s early school years and Alan and I were also working colleagues. Hilde was a dear and special friend whom I will miss greatly.. Her star will shine brightly..
God Bless Hilde and her legacy. I enjoyed Hilde’s presence and helpful advice during her time at the Bridge Centre. I also have one of the Dealicious cook books. Condolences to Alan and family.
Hilde was so loved & respected in the bridge community. What a beautifully written obituary to honour her amazing life. My deepest condolences to Alan & the family.
I am very sad to hear of Hilde’s passing. She was a great support to me at times when I needed it. I am very grateful to have had Hilde as my friend. My condolences to Allan and the whole fimily. She was a great person.
I volunteered with Hilde at St. Catharine’s Hospice – I was a Therapeutic Touch Energy Practitioner there while Hilde gave Reiki treatments. She was always so gentle with the “guests” interested in who they were and so positive. She was always bright and smiling and added so much loving energy to the day. It was a pleasure to know her. My condolences on your loss of such an important family member.
My late wife Olga and I met Hilde and Al when, we as teachers, also moved to Grande Prairie in 1964. We happened to moved into the same small eight unit apartment building that they did. A close friendship resulted which carried on through the many years that followed. I am saddened and send my condolences to you all.
Dear Alan, Susan, Ben, Harrison and Families,
To have loved and been loved and to have lived such a full life as Hilde 🤍 as described in this wonderful tribute, is in itself a blessing to all those of whom Hilde touched.
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all.
With love, Cousin Anna and Family
I am so very sorry for your loss. Hilde was a special person in my life while she and Alan lived in St. Catharines. I met her when I went to her for reiki. She spoke of her family often and how much she loved you all.
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to have lunch with Hilde and Alan in late August at their residence in Hamilton. Her beautiful words of love and appreciation touched my soul. Even though her resting time was approaching she still talked about life being beautiful and full of joy. I will miss her inspiration. She encouraged David and me to re-engage with bridge and the connections through reiki and Wellspring. Dinners and parties together were memorable. Thank you Susan for helping me to keep in touch and helping me to share your wonderful family.
We are sad to hear of Hildi’s passing. She was a remarkable woman – so many skills and talents, and always with a warm welcome. Our sincere condolences to Alan, and all her extended family.
So sorry for your loss. She was a light for our congregation (UCN) and to many, many others. Thanks for such a beautiful write up of her life.
Dear Harrison and Celeste, we will always remember Hilde exactly as described in this beautiful obituary – loving life and laughter, an amazing host, always a kind smile on her face. We are very sorry for your loss. Olaf, Lais, Marcel & Michel
I am so incredibly fortunate to have known this amazing woman, Hilde. From when our families met in Tanga, to her (family) hosting several visits in St. Catherine’s along with other visits in Canada, to visits in New Jersey, and most recently answering my emails (!), I felt that Hilde was like another Mother to me (Susan, Ben and Harry – it’s been so long…). In my memory, Hilde was the most accepting person of others’ personalities I have encountered — and I echo her loving obit which recognizes her universal love for everyone. I cannot recall a time when she wasn’t smiling, trying or offering something new that she had been working on (independently or with Alan), and always with a kind & warm-hearted soul that I sensed from childhood and into adulthood. Her loving smile, kind hearted nature, and inquisitive spirit are indelibly imprinted in my mind, encouraging and providing me experiential guidance in this so-complicated of times. Remember that when we think of her, she will be with us, for each of us, in the specific way(s) that she touched our lives. I will cherish my memories of her, especially for the sense of wonder and exploration that she instilled, for the wonderful model that she provided for me to parent my own children (from behaviors to food exploration!). My fondest condolences to her loving Family, immediate and extended. Know that she is with you whenever you think of Her. Peace. Love. Hilde.
Dear Alan, Harry and Celeste, Ben, and Susan,
We are so sorry to hear of Hilde’s passing. She was a lovely woman and optimistic Mom with a big smile. Thinking of you all at this time from Marquette.
love James, Caroline and Julian xxx
Not only a wonderful neighbor, and a grand person who always had a smile and friendly comment. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. Rest in peace.
A beautiful and loving reflection of a life well lived. Heartfelt sympathies to Susan, Harry, Ben & family. XO
Alan, Susan, Ben and Harry & spouses and grandchildren: My heartfelt condolences to all. As I said to Susan, Hilde’s declining health seemed so fast that it was shocking to hear of Hilde’s passing. As long time neighbours in St. Catharines you could not have asked for nicer people. I remember Hilde & Alan’s lovely home with such beautiful flowers which Hilde tended with such love and care. And it was always a pleasure chatting with Alan as he rode his bike home from Brock. As well, I must commend Hilde and Alan for raising such lovely children. Although, I did not know Harry as well, it was an absolute pleasure teaching Susan and Ben. They were so beautifully mannered and were superb students. There was a lot of love, laughter and joy in Hilde and Alan’s home! May you rest in peace, Hilde, a job well done.
Jean
A light has gone out of the world. A warm, loving, compassionate example of a life of service and devotion well lived.
So sorry for your loss Harrison, and family. It sounds like Hilde was a wonderful person & someone I would love to have known. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to the family and dear friends of Hilde. The obituary is a well written and beautiful exploration honouring her life and what an adventure it was! Sending lots of love and support ❤️
She was a wonderful aunt as well so grateful our many visits and her calm supportive energy…deep laughter over shared meals – she will be missed & cherished by all of the wheeler-mislang family