Hilda V. Edeen

Hilda Verna Finkbinder was born on January 18, 1920 in Thornburg a small lumbering community in Perry County, Arkansas. She was born to George and Rebecca Finkbinder. The youngest of six, by twenty years, she had two brothers, Thomas and Herman. Her three sisters were Delia (nicknamed Cricket), Myrtle and Virgie. Hilda’s family lived in Thornburg, while her father George drove mules hauling downed trees to the lumber mill.

When Hilda was about three years old, the family moved to Cherry Hill, in Perry County. George started farming with his brother Ben. The families lived next door to each other on a knoll surrounded by the bottom land they farmed. Going to a one room schoolhouse and playing with her cousins filled her days. One exciting winter the river flooded the bottoms and her home was surrounded by water for days. Hilda loved to recall trips to Marleton by wagon. The travelers always stopped under a pecan tree to have a picnic lunch. Her grandmother Frederica spoke no English and tried to teach Hilda German phrases, while laughing at Hilda’s attempts. Grandmother Frederica made the best peach pie the in world, according to Hilda.

At nine years of age the family moved to Seeley, California. Living in the desert and learning to swim in the canals caused her dark brown hair to streak blonde and red. Having watermelon fresh from the field was a real treat.

Around 1932 the family home burned to the ground. Her family returned to Perry County, Arkansas. While there, she first met her future husband. Her cousin Melvinia called Hilda’s attention to the handsome boy sitting behind them in their classroom. Hilda always said she was unimpressed by the boy nicknamed Billy Boy.

Hilda and her family returned to California in 1934, settling first in National City and later moving to the Sunnyside area. She attended Sweetwater High School and graduated in 1938. She was the first in her family to graduate from High School. Hilda lived in Sunnyside and Bonita until her passing in 2013.

Hilda’s first job, at fourteen, was at the Lemon Packing Plant. She worked there with her mother and sisters during summer breaks from school.

Ray (Billy Boy) Holland joined the Navy and attended Submarine School in San Diego. Visiting family and friends living in the National City area, Bill again met Hilda. Hilda discovered that, now, she was impressed with Billy Boy. They dated for two years. On July 23, 1944, Hilda married Raymond Jefferson Holland at Gretna Green Wedding Bell in Yuma, Arizona. Being an only son Bill could have transferred from a dangerous secret mission. He told Hilda it was his responsibility to support his shipmates. Bill’s submarine, the Swordfish disappeared in January 1945, leaving a pregnant grieving widow. On May 21, 1945, their daughter, Patricia Sharon Holland was born at Paradise Valley Hospital.

In the ensuing years, Hilda raised her daughter, cared for her extended family and worked at Delbert’s Department Store, located in National City. On Saturdays after shopping with her daughter and sisters, their favorite stops were Belnap’s Bakery for eclairs or Woolsworth for banana splits.

Hilda and her sisters, Virgie and Mrytle, enjoyed dancing at Big Stone Lodge every Saturday night. Hilda loved country music and jitterbug. One evening, Hilda met a handsome Navy man, Richard Edeen, and found her second love. Richard Gerald Edeen and Hilda married on January 5, 1958, at Winterhaven, California.

While Dick served in the Navy, Hilda earned her Real Estate License. She took many classes at Southwestern College and eventually earned her Broker’s License. Hilda had found a career that became her life’s work and her favorite hobby. With the support of her husband and her daughter, Hilda opened Village Realty in Bonita. Hilda retired the first time at her 80th birthday party and enjoyed six more “annual” birthday retirement parties.

Hilda enjoyed taking photographs, raising beautiful roses, gambling at the Flamingo Hilton (where it seemed she never lost), and helping extended family members. Many adventures awaited her traveling with her friend and “phone buddy”Joan Erlbeck. Hilda explored many different locations with her son-in-law Mike and daughter Pat. She was extremely proud of being a Life Member of the Sweetwater Woman’s Club. Hilda never lost her interest in real estate, delighting in discussing the subject.

Dick and Hilda were married for 36 years. Dick passed away in 1994 and was buried at Glen Abbey. Hilda passed away June 7, 2013 following surgery. Hilda will join Dick at Glen Abbey on June 14, 2013, at 12:30 pm. She is survived by her daughter Pat, grandsons Brian and Ray, nephew Louis Stills and niece Judy Spencer.

Goodbye Duchess