Obituary of Hilda Marie Gillighan

Gillighan, Hilda Marie

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hilda on June 19th, 2018.   Hilda was born in Inglisville, NS on June 29th 1935 to Mildred and Isaac Durling.  She is predeceased by her parents and siblings, Isabel (Wight), Olive (Seibel), Vivian (Lightfoot), Charles, Raymond, James and Reginald, as well as husband William (Bill) and sons George and James.  She is survived by daughter, Mary Anne (Kevin Bauer), son, John (Karen), daughter-in-law, Grace and grandchildren, Devon, Maria, Rebecca, Rachael, Katrina, Michael and Robyn.   Hilda and Bill married in 1953 and ran a prosperous dairy and then beef farm in Clarence for many years.  Hilda was involved in all aspects of running the farm and her work ethic served as an example to her children.  She also loved to bake and cook and provided many meals to members of the community who were in need.  Hilda took pride in her support of Famers Dairy and volunteered at the Lawrencetown Exhibition on their behalf for many years.  She loved to play the piano and was an organist at the St. Andrews Anglican Church in Lawrencetown and subsequently the Clarence United Baptist Church in Clarence.  Many will remember her commitment to this role and her love of music. In her late 60’s, Hilda added the violin to her music talents. Hilda was an avid gardener and she took great joy in providing for her family from the family garden, canning fruits and vegetables and making healthy meals.  Hilda had a love of history and could often be heard sharing her own geneology – the Durlings (originally Durland) can be traced back to the first settlers in the area.   Hilda and her sister Vivian were very close and enjoyed solving the Chronicle Herald crossword puzzles together.  Hilda had a big personality and enjoyed lively conversation with friends and neighbours.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Hilda had a special bond with her beloved cat Bessie, and to many of the household pets who preceded her. Donations in memory of Hilda can be made to the Clarence United Baptist Church or to your local animal shelter. A visitation will be held Friday June 22nd, 7pm – 9pm at Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, 385 Granville St. Bridgetown, NS. A funeral service will be held Saturday June 23rd, 3pm at Clarence United Baptist Church, 2659 Clarence Road, Central Clarence, with Pastor Ron Habinski officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com