Hilda Katherine Connolly

Hilda Katherine Connolly passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on May 4, 2013 at Providence Hospital, Everett, in the presence of the Lord Jesus and her loving family. Hilda was born October 5, 1921 in Astoria, Oregon to Victor E. and Greta Malen. Hilda was the 5th of 7 children. She graduated from Astoria High School and began her career with the Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company.

In 1943 on a blind date, Hilda met Francis Martin Connolly, a handsome sailor. She married Fran, the love of her life, on July 10 1943. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage until his passing on June 16, 2012. Fran and Hilda had four daughters, Becky, Lindy, Jen and Cindy. After the birth of their first child, she decided to invest the next 10 years into nurturing and raising their four girls. After all the girls were in school, Hilda resumed her career with the telephone company and remained a faithful employee until 1982.

While their Astoria years are treasured, the family moved to Mountlake Terrace in 1961. Hilda enjoyed her family and gardening, as well as golf, bowling, walking and traveling with Fran. In retirement she was lovingly nicknamed "Sarge" by her fellow quilters in the Trinity Quilting Group, to which she dedicated over 20 years. Hilda also served alongside Fran volunteering in various community service projects through The Telephone Pioneers of America.

Hilda will always be remembered as the life of the party and for her sense of humor.

Her survivors include: her brother Victor Malen, daughters Rebecca Brager of Freeland, WA; Melinda (Bill) Benjamin of Clinton, WA; Jennifer (Wayne) Weimer of Langley, WA; and Cynthia (Bill) Nims of Tacoma, WA. She also leaves behind sixteen treasured grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hilda is preceded in death by her husband Francis Connolly, parents Victor and Greta Malen, and siblings: Vijo Malen; Vera Craig; Aune Malmberg; Margaret Hill and Corrine Sjolund.

All are welcome to sign the guestbook below.