Obituary of Katharina Hildebrand

Katharina Plett Hildebrand, 99 years and 3 days old, who lived most of her life in Landmark, Manitoba, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Resthaven Care Home, Steinbach, MB.

Katie is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

• Bill and Wendy; Lisa and Bret Johnson; Kurt and Aly, and their children Calvin, Penny and Max

• Phil and Alda; Jeff and Elnora, and their children Ryan and Amelia; Ainslie and Josh Eberhart, and their daughter Sophie

• Lou and Brigitte; Laura Hildebrand and Aaron Donachuk, and their daughter Cecile; and Myles

• Mark and Tish; Iain and Shayla, and their children Connor, Owen and Chloe; Sean; Evan and Kassia, and their children Elliot and Tobin; and Olivia

She is predeceased by her husband, Dietrich, and her son Dick, as well as her parents and all 20 of her siblings. In the Plett genealogy book, she is listed as number 19 of 21 children.

Mom was born in Ile des Chenes to John K. and Margaret (Penner) Plett on January 17, 1925. She grew up working on the family farm in Willow Ridge and enjoying fun times like sleigh rides to church in the winter. She loved her seven years of school and often talked about the positive influence of her “Leera Wellems” which refers to her teacher Mr. Willms. Throughout her life, she was able to recite poems she had learned during her school time, and even in her last week, she recited a poem in Ukrainian from that time. Mom valued and supported education, for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every June she would host a barbecue to celebrate the achievement of passing another grade.

As a young woman, mom moved to Winnipeg with her sister Anne and worked as a cleaning lady. She loved this work and returned to it after her children were older and she continued until in her 80s. The families she worked for appreciated her not only for her dedication and attention to detailed cleaning but also for her wisdom and friendship. After she retired, former employers invited her to their children’s weddings, to birthday parties and regularly sent Christmas cards to mom.

Mom loved gardening, and you would often find her outside in the evening planting or watering her plants. She tilled and used her wheelbarrow into her 80s. Mom also was an avid birdwatcher and loved watching the hummingbirds and nuthatches come to her feeders.

Mom and Dad traveled to many places together, visiting missionary relatives in Thailand and Peru and doing some Mennonite Disaster Service work in Mississippi. They also traveled to Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Israel.

Dad passed away in 1985, and a few years later, mom had a house built in Landmark. She put a lot of effort into keeping her family together by hosting and cooking for family events. While living in Linden and Landmark, she spent her spare time playing kick the can, UNO and Phase 10, watching movies, completing jigsaw puzzles and having a bowl of mints ready for her family and neighbours. 

Mom lived in her own home until her early 90s and then moved to Woodhaven, living independently until a couple of years ago.

Mom was a lifelong member of Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church. Her faith was a foundation of her life, and she often told her family that she prayed for each of them every day. In her last days, she continued to talk about the importance of strength, health, love and unity for all members of her family.

We, the family, will deeply miss her strength, wisdom and constant support. She lived a steadfast life of hard work, high standards and faith in God.

The funeral service will be held on January 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Prairie Rose EMC, Landmark, MB. Viewing will take place at 10:00 a.m. before the service. A private family burial will follow. To join the family via livestream at the time of the service please click HERE.

Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Disaster Service.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Resthaven Care Home