SVAB: Hilda Frances
December 6, 1922 - August 26, 2014
Mrs. Hilda Frances (nee Kirchner) Svab of Aspen Manor, Bethany Pioneer Village, Middle Lake, SK, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, August 26, 2014. She was 91 years of age. Hilda, the eldest of 12 children, was born on December 6, 1922, to Clemens and Laura (nee Ilg) Kirchner at home on their farm in Middle Lake district. A highlight of her young life was travelling to Prince Rupert where she was employed in a fish cannery for a short period of time. Due to the death of her father in 1945, Hilda returned home to help her mother with the family and the farm. While attending the July 1st. celebrations at Middle Lake, she met John Svab. It was love at first sight for both of them and, on November 18, 1946, that true love culminated in their marriage. Hilda and John began their long-lasting and happy life together on a farm near Moose Lake. Eventually, they relocated to the Svab homestead, where Hilda worked very hard on the farm, side-by-side with her beloved husband. While living there, they were blessed with two daughters, Linda and Ann. John had the opportunity to become Postmaster in Middle Lake, so the family left the farm and moved to town. Hilda ably assisted him part-time there. She assumed full-time employment at the post office when John retired, and was an active member of the community. Hilda also filled many pleasant hours pursuing her love of gardening, curling, bowling and traveling. Of utmost importance to her was her family, from whom she derived much joy. Upon retirement, Hilda and John moved to Humboldt. Ultimately, they went full-circle and returned to Middle Lake to take up residence at Bethany Pioneer Village. Hilda will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her husband and soul-mate of 67 years, John Svab of Birch Manor, Bethany Pioneer Village, Middle Lake; their two daughters, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren: Linda Gardner of Sherwood Park, AB, and family, Katie (Riley) O'Hare and children Logan and Grady O'Hare, Laura Gardner, Bob Gardner (Krista Johnson) and children Thomas and Kirby Gardner, and Kirsten Gardner; and Ann (Gene) Brockman of Lake Lenore, SK, and family, Amy (Mark) Pearson and children June and Jolie Pearson, Rebecca Brockman, Jessica Brockman, and Holly (Mike) Ehrenberg; six sisters: Clementine Siba, Sr. Helen Kirchner, Florence Siba-Lueke, Rose Baker, Doreen Nagy, and Marie Palmer; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Clemens and Laura (Ilg) Kirchner; and by four brothers: Ludwig Kirchner (in infancy), Clarence Kirchner, Louis Kirchner, and Leonard Kirchner; and by one sister, Catherine Griffin. The Funeral Mass was held at Canadian Martyrs Roman Catholic Roman Church, Middle Lake, on Friday, August 29, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Eugene Nwachukwu. Others taking part were: Shey-Lynne Brockman and Jenna Brockman, altar servers; Laura Gardner and Amy Pearson, scripture readers; Linda Gardner, intentions; Ann Brockman, eulogist; Bob Gardner and Holly Ehrenberg, giftbearers; Ramona Fischl, communion minister; Rhonda Baker, organist. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Hilda's life". Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to Bethany Pioneer Village. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
