Betty Hildebrand
1935 - 2025
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. (Job 19:25 KJV)
Elisabeth Hildebrand, passed away in Mission, British Columbia on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at the age of 89 years.
Betty is survived by her beloved sister Mary Hansen and brother George Hildebrand.
She was predeceased by her parents Gerhard J. Hildebrand (1893-1935) and Maria Hildebrand (1895-1985) and brothers Victor, Alexander, Jacob and John Hildebrand.
Elisabeth, also known as Betty to friends and family, was born the youngest in the line up of siblings, Victor Jacob, Alexander Gerhard, George Gerhard, Jacob Gerhard, John Gerhard and Mary Agatha.
Betty’s parents along with baby brother Victor, sailed on the Melita from Russia, arriving in Halifax in 1925 and eventually settled, bought land and farmed in the Grassy Lake area. It was there that Betty was born on December 1, 1935.
The nearby Mennonite church played a large part in the family’s spiritual life. The Mennonite lifestyle emphasizes a personal relationship with Jesus Christ leading a commitment to community and simple living. Betty went to the Southern Alberta Bible Camp for one summer and was baptized into the Mennonite church at age thirteen. For Betty, attending the Alberta Mennonite High School in Coaldale was a high point in her life and she graduated at age seventeen.
Both Betty and her sister Mary benefited from piano lessons. Betty soon stood out as a good music student and quickly accelerated to be a talented player. She earned a grade eight level in the Royal Conservatory of Music. Betty accompanied congregational singing in various churches in British Columbia that she attended.
Betty suffered from a mental illness that to a large extent defined her life. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia in her late teens. For Betty, although being talented and bright, she had difficulty keeping jobs and continuing her education while suffering from her mental illness.
Betty and her mother Maria lived in Abbotsford, British Columbia until Maria’s passing in 1985. Betty lived her final years in Pleasant View Housing Society in Mission, British Columbia and only had good things to say about living there. She was in the Mission Memorial Hospital for rehabilitation since her walking ability had declined. After being there for only a few weeks she developed a stroke and passed away.
Although Betty has departed from us, our memories of her charm and wit will continue to remind us of what a blessing she could be. On the resurrection morning may she stand tall with the redeemed and resound Job’s declaration, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” (Job 19:25 KJV).
The Burial Service was held at the Westview Cemetery of Grassy Lake, 84028 Range Road 135, on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 1:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 2:30 P.M.