Hilda Irene Douma

Hilda Irene Douma, 94 was the youngest of three sisters in her family when she was born on July 28, 1920. She grew up in Waterloo, Canada. Her parents, who are deceased, were Clinton Hahn and Clara Sattler Hahn. Hilda’s oldest sister Reta L. Hahn predeceased her in 1999.

After the end of World War II, Hilda met her husband Thomas Douma while vacationing with her Canadian friend Verna in Michigan. As the story goes, the Canadian girls both were impressed with two returning American soldiers and coupled up with Tom and (Folpert) Phil Douma, cousins from the far-away town of Hanford. Hilda and Tom Douma were later married on September 21, 1949, as was Verna to Folpert Douma. Tom brought Hilda (a city girl) to Hanford to live on his family’s farm and Hilda began her married life in the United States. Hilda spent the rest of her life in Hanford and she became a United States citizen in 1995. Thomas, her only love, passed away on June 10, 1999.

Hilda was a decades-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Hanford, 40 years a member of the Hanford chapter of the PEO Sisterhood and a familiar face in the lobby of the Adventist Medical Center as a member of the hospital’s Volunteer Service League. Hilda’s involvement with the First United Methodist Church included stints as the church treasurer, historian and librarian and she received the Special Mission Recognition Award from the United Methodist Women in 1980 and the United Methodist Women’s life member award in 1995. Hilda and Tom were also members of a small informal bridge club, along with three other married couples, who met once a month to share dinner and play bridge for 30 years or longer.

Hilda was known for her kind and reserved disposition and a strong concern for everyone but herself! Hilda was especially a softie when it came to animals, ready to offer her lap to any cat or dog and she was heartbroken at the death of her 22 year old cat Charlie a few years ago.

Despite her physical distance from her Canadian family, Hilda remained close to her sister Wilma Welker of St. Jacobs, who survives her, and her surviving niece and nephews, Margaret Welker, Thomas Welker and Andrew Welker, all of Waterloo, who came to visit almost every year. In the past, Hilda was able to visit them regularly as well.

A special recognition should be extended to Hilda’s caregivers during the last period of her life: Angel Rivera, Maria Boylan and staff at Comfort Keepers. Angel and Maria were loyal and caring companions who cheerfully assisted Hilda in her home.

Hilda will be missed by her neighbors and many friends who rallied to support her in her declining health. Although Hilda at 94 had outlived many of her peers, numerous friends and family members remained active in Hilda’s life to the end, a testament to Hilda’s giving nature and involvement in the community.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Grangeville Cemetery; 10428 14th Avenue, Armona, CA 93202 with a luncheon reception following at the Hanford First United Methodist Church; 505 N. Redington Street, Hanford, CA 93230

Donations in Hilda’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church; 505 N. Redington Street, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-4075 or to Kings S.P.C.A.; 9071 16 ½ Avenue, Lemoore, CA 93245 559-925-1630 www.kingspca.org

Family and Friends are invited to view Hilda’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to her family and friends.

Services are under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.