Elsie (Lang) Hildebrandt

Born in Neidpath, Saskatchewan on October 20th, 1928 to Jacob and Pauline Lang, eighth child of a family of eleven children. Brother George died while serving in WW#2 at 21 years of age. Three others died as young babies.

Our family moved to B.C. in 1931, Dad and Mom and 6 children. Carol was born in BC later.

Elsie started school at age 7 and went to South Otter school until grade 6, then took a bus to school in Aldergrove for grades 7 and 8. That year she got to participate as a representative of the school as a maypole princess. During the summer holidays she spent a lot of time babysitting for my oldest sister Elizabeth who lived in Vancouver and was working.

1947 is the year Elsie started working at Canada Packers fish cannery where she met Paul Hildebrandt. That same year she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour and later that year she got baptized. God was always a major part of her life, and God became our source for all major decisions. Because of this decision to follow God, she played a major roll in leading both her family and Paul and his family to saving Grace in Christ.

1948 is the year that the dyke broke and all of the Matsqui Valley was flooded and Paul and I got married July 17, 1948 in Aldergrove BC.

In 1949 our first daughter, Donna Marlene, was born. In 1953, our second girl, Linda, was born.

In April, 1952 we moved to Kinnaird, BC which is near Castlegar.

In 1960 I got my driver's license and when the girls were old enough, I got a job in the Castlegar hospital kitchen.

Our next move was back to the Fraser Valley with various types of farming ventures.

1978: moved to Vanderhoof and bought Omineca Trailer Court.

1985: moved back to Abbotsford.

During these years and following there were 7 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, 4 great, great grandchildren.

Elsie was a very hard worker and showed love by her actions but very few words. She will be remembered by her beautiful smile, fanciful giggle, and gentle nature.

September 29, 2023, Elsie passed away peacefully in Menno hospital with family by her side.

A funeral service for Elsie will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T2X5. A reception will occur Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T2X5. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 1:45 PM to 3:00 PM at Vedder View Cemetery, 44675 Watson Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R2Y6.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Hildebrant family.