Hildegarde Maria Diehl

Hildegarde Maria Diehl, a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother known for her loving nature, generous heart and thoughtful soul, has passed away on January 10, 2024. Born on June 4, 1929, in Brooklyn NY, she was the daughter and only child of Gotthold and Maria Mueller who migrated to the U.S. from Germany.

After marrying the love of her life, Frank in 1956 they moved from Queens, NY to Suffern, NY where her parents had a summer home on an apple orchard. Hilde would say “if a car passed by every 3 hours, it was a traffic jam.” The home they built together in Suffern is where they raised their three children, Diane, Karen and Alan. She became a widow in 1986 and found comfort in doing volunteer work and spending time with her family; her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and with her lifelong friends. Hildegarde lived a life filled with laughter, kindness and unconditional love for her family.

Throughout her journey on this earth, her warm and welcoming demeanor made everyone feel loved and accepted in her presence. She had a natural ability to bring joy to those around her with her quick wit and warm smile.

Devoted to her family and friends, Hildegarde cherished the role of being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother above all else. Her proudest accomplishment resided in the love she shared with her family as the Matriarch. Being surrounded by loved ones was what truly brought her joy and fulfillment. The smile that adorned Hilde's face when she was with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren revealed the depth of her love and adoration for them.

Hilde's interests were varied but reflective of her vibrant personality. When she wasn't spending time with loved ones, Hilde could be found engrossed in a book or engaging in friendly competition during games of Scrabble or working with her friends at the soup kitchen. With an insatiable sense of wanderlust, she also delighted in traveling to new places that sparked her curiosity. But above all else, Hilde dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her faith and remained firmly committed to serving God throughout her life.

Hilde leaves behind an enduring legacy that will continue to illuminate the lives of those she loved most. She is survived by her daughters, Diane Hayward and husband Alan, Karen Davidowicz and husband Dave, and her son, Alan Diehl and wife Esther. Hilde's grandchildren, Donna Price and husband Chris, Jennifer Bini and husband Eric, Christina Hayward, Stephanie Merentino and husband Frank, Erin Davidowicz, Jessica DiResto and husband Mike, and Andrew Diehl will carry forward her spirit of love and generosity.

The circle of Hilde's love extends even further to encompass her great-grandchildren: Cassandra Price, Brianna Price, Aiden Price, Emma Bini, Owen Bini, Tylee Anderson, Madison Merentino, and Michael Merentino. Their lives have been forever enriched by the love and wisdom passed down from their remarkable "GG."

Hilde is predeceased by her beloved Husband Francis T. Diehl, Jr. and her cherished Grandson, Matthew Davidowicz. May she feel their warm embrace from heaven.

In this time of sorrow and reflection on a life well-lived, let us remember Hildegarde Maria Diehl as a vibrant soul who embraced life with open arms. As we mourn her passing from this world into the next journey of her existence, may we find solace in the memories shared with Hilde and honor her by living our lives with the same joy and kindness that she graced us with every day.

Goodbye for now, dear Hilde. May your spirit find eternal peace as you join the heavens above. You will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.

A visitation for Hildegarde will be held Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, New York 10901. A funeral service will occur Monday, January 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM, 177 Route 59, Suffern, New York 10901. A burial will occur Monday, January 15, 2024 at Airmont Coptic Orthodox Cemetery, Airmont Road, Airmont, NY 10901.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Hildegarde's memory may be made to Smile Train, P.O Box 96231, Washington, Washington, D.C. 20090 US, www.smiletrain.org; and Doctors Without Borders, 40 Rector Street, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10006 US, www.doctorswithoutborders.org.