Hilda Janet Britton

Hilda was born to Howard L. Smith and Norma N. Broutin - on November 25, 1928 in Jackson, Mississippi. She graduated from Pascagoula (MS) High School, earned her B.S. in Biology from Mississippi College, and was accepted into the University of Mississippi Medical School. Before she began her medical studies, she met and married Elton M. Britton (Brit) of Brockton, Massachusetts. His career in the United States Air Force took them from Mississippi to France, Montana, Colorado, California and finally back to Colorado Springs where they settled after his retirement. Along the way, Hilda earned her credentials as a medical technologist from Penrose Hospital. She worked at several private laboratories in Colorado and California before finding a position at Evans Army Hospital, Fort Carson, where she was employed for more than 20 years.

Hilda had many interests and hobbies, including handwork, mountain dulcimer, reading and cooking. Hilda and Brit loved to travel with the family and for many years summer vacations would alternate between trips to Massachusetts and Mississippi, visiting many states and historic sites along the way. Hilda had an unconditional love for family and friends, and she and Brit were always happy to welcome guests into their home, especially students and soldiers who were unable to go home for the holidays. Students from around the States, Germany, Israel, New Zealand and a number of the soldiers she worked with who were far away from family, were some of the company who could always count on good conversations and excellent meals.

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother and sister-in-law, Howard L. Jr. and Lurline Smith of Tallahassee, FL. She will be so greatly missed by many. Her eldest son Ronald Lee, his wife Tara and son Jalen Cox reside in Eagle River, AK, where Hilda enjoyed spending the summer a couple of years ago. Michael Dean, her younger son, lives with his wife Tanja in Colorado Springs. She is also survived by her nephew, Paul Smith, and her niece and family, Julie, Glenn, Vincent and Jaclyn Mulvaney, all of Tallahassee, FL, with whom she was very close; as well as her brother-in-law, Everett O. Britton, her niece Kathy and Al Shaver of Marysville, TN, and her nephew Steve Britton of North Wilkesboro, NC. Many of her beloved family members in Mississippi and Florida, who knew her as Sister (Sis), were among her regular contacts and conversations all her life. Her "extended family" includes Scott and Andrea Simpson, Chelsay (with her husband Kevin Perkins and son Kaiden), Janet and Savannah of Kearney, MO, Randy and Haley Broom, Gavin, Olivia and Garret of Kingwood, TX, and Esther Hill of Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to any of three organizations Hilda believed in and supported through donations or volunteer work: The Springs Rescue Mission, 5 W. Las Vegas Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903; Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906; Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817.

Her family thanks Lisa Foster for her medical care and advice while Hilda was her patient and for her friendship and support during this time of need. We also thank her dedicated therapists and the staff of The Healthcare Resort of Colorado Springs, who cared for Hilda during the last weeks of life.

A celebration of Hilda's life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Service, Colorado Springs, CO.