Mary Hildegarde Curtis

Hildegarde was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and grew up on the family mink ranch with her parents Rudolf (Heidelburg, Germany) and Ena Bredt nee MacWhinnie (Turtleford, SK), and younger brother Harry “Star” Bredt.

Hildegarde was married in 1960 to Hugh Kerr (deceased 1973) and had three children: Cameron Kerr, Heather New, and Laurie Kerr.

In 1975, she married Maurice Curtis, and had two more girls, Andrea Allan and Leigh Edwards.

Hildegarde started training as a psychiatric nurse in 1957, where she met some of her dearest life-long friends. She left training and worked as a medical secretary at various clinics and offices in Edmonton and Sherwood Park, including Dr.Katz & Associates, where she spent 16 years. She loved working there and was a key part of the clinic.

Some called her Bredt, Many called her Hildy, but to her girls, she was “The Queen”.

Hildegarde loved to play the piano and sing. She had a beautiful voice, wonderful rhythm and an incredible ear for music. She taught all her kids to dance, harmonize, and play duets with her on the piano. She loved all kinds of music but particularly hymns and happy songs. She loved to play with her church groups and entertain seniors. A voracious reader, she devoured book after book even throughout her last days.

Hildegarde was a warm, kind person, with a bit of mischief just barely visible in the glint of her eye. She loved to laugh and dress up, taking part in, and sometimes orchestrating practical jokes on co-workers, friends and family alike. She loved meeting new people and searching for treasures at the thrift stores with Maurice, and her girls.

She tithed faithfully to many worthy causes. She and Maurice gave more than their share to those in need all over the world.

Hildegarde, means “battle maiden”. She survived some major battles in her life. At age 12, the truck she and her mother were in was struck by a train. She spent months recovering in hospital. Despite almost losing her leg, she became a high school cheerleader. Injury and scarring didn’t hold her back. At 32, she was widowed and became a single mother to 3 young kids.

In 2006 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Treatment was harsh, but she never complained. Her faith gave her the confidence that she would make it through. She gave us 16 more years of her light, positivity, hopefulness and her sense of humour. She grew sweeter with each passing year.

Sadly, cancer came back late in 2021 and it was quick to take her from us. She spent her last days in her home, where she wanted to be. She was unfailingly grateful and cheery. We are thankful that we were able to care for her until the end.

She was truly an example of grace, reminding us in her last days that “We just have so much to be thankful for.”

Hildegarde is survived by her husband Robert Maurice Curtis, her brother Harry “Star” Bredt (Jenny), her children: Cameron Kerr (Kim), Heather New (Russ), Laurie Kerr (Mitch), Andrea Allan (Sean), Leigh Edwards (Jordan) and 10 wonderful grandchildren: Marcel, Cody, Tucker, Cal, Brayden, Brenna, Grayson, Campbell, Willow, and Indy.

A celebration of life for Hildegarde will be held from 2-4pm on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at 944 Cawston Avenue, Kelowna. We would be happy to share any memories or stories you might have, so feel free to pass them along. Please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing [email protected].

In lieu of flowers or donations, please do something kind for someone in need; whether it is your own family member, or a complete stranger.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com for the Curtis family.