Hilda Husing Messner

Hilda Husing Messner was born to Albert and Catharine Husing in Dumont, New Jersey on July 28, 1927. As a family of German immigrants, Hilda, her sister, Elsie, and her parents found that friends were their chosen family members. Hilda’s childhood was spent with many other families of immigrants. Over the years, these strong bonds were forged into lifelong friendships that have continued through the generations, even to today.

In March 1948, Hilda married Robert “Bob” Messner. They got to know each other through their letters written to one another during World War II. When Bob returned home to the United States, he met Hilda in person, and they were inseparable from thereafter. Although we are sad to say ‘so long’ to Hilda, we celebrate her reunion in Heaven with her beloved husband, Bob, whom she has dearly missed for 26 years.

Hilda and Bob moved to Tillson, NY in the 1950s. They loved living in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley of New York with their son and daughter. In her working years, Hilda enjoyed her career in banking – initially starting out in a teller position and eventually promoting to an executive secretary, before retiring. Bob and Hilda mastered the talent for making numerous ceramics, from earrings to large vases and sculptures. Hilda had many talents – she decorated beautiful cakes, made handmade embossed cards, and arranged flower bouquets. Hilda and Bob were a very animated couple and displayed their knack for acting in the Spotlighters Club in Tillson, NY.

After she retired, Hilda enjoyed volunteering at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY – volunteering for many hundreds of hours over the years. Bob and Hilda spent much of their early retirement traveling to the far reaches of the world. They loved to go on cruises and especially enjoyed visiting Myrtle Beach, SC.

In their golden years, Hilda and Bob moved to Little River, SC to experience more fun with traveling, going to musical shows, and getting to know new friends. They were a short drive away from Raleigh, NC, so they were able to spend more time with their grandchildren as well.

Within a few years of Bob’s passing in 1999, Hilda moved to Cary, NC to be closer to her daughter and her family. Hilda was often found working on puzzles in her dining room – a love she passed down to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was in a bowling league and often raved about all her strikes and spares on the bowling alleys. She liked to spend time sitting on her sun porch, soaking up the sun while sipping a glass of wine and reading a Danielle Steel novel. Hilda beamed with pride when she could spend time with her family, but she was most happy as “GiGi” to her two great granddaughters, Maddi and Alayna, and her great grandson, Killian.

Left to cherish her lifetime of memories are her daughter, Dorothy, and son-in-law, Wayne, of New Bern; her son, Robert, and daughter-in-law, Brenda, of Morrison, CO; her grandchildren, Kevin Conners (Dana), Chris Conners (Caitlyn), Jenny Middleswarth (Rob), Leigh Neale, Daniel Messner, Lauren Harmon, Dustin Messner; their families; and a host of friends and caregivers who have become like family.

There is a saying about it taking a village to raise a child… but it also takes a village to help a family say goodbye to a special loved one. With our sincere appreciation for Shannon May for her care of Wayne so Dorothy could spend precious time with Hilda. The family would also like to thank the staff at Homeplace of New Bern for their love, care, and support for Hilda and her family in her final weeks. Special thanks to the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice, especially Bonnie and Kacynthia.

In her final weeks on this Earth, Grandma had countless compassionate people at her bedside. We thank all of you for allowing us to share her with you… thank you for holding her hand, sitting with her, hugging her, and reassuring her. A few weeks ago, Grandma said “If you don’t know what to say, say ‘I love you.’” May these words inspire her family and friends to always share their hearts with others.

A celebration of Hilda’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1st from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at Homeplace of New Bern on McCarthy Blvd. The memorial service will be in the spirit of celebrating the long and happy life of Hilda. Please wear her favorite color, purple or lavender, to help us commemorate such a loving and warm person. Light refreshments will be served after the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hilda’s memory to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), or a charity of choice.