Hiltrud Hollibaugh

It is with great sadness that the family of Hiltrud Hollibaugh, age 81, announces her passing on December 11th, 2021 (the 16th anniversary of her mother’s death), after a courageous battle with lymphoma. Hiltrud passed away peacefully in her home in Hoover, in the presence of her loving family and beloved cat.

Hiltrud was the devoted wife of 59 years to Robert Hollibaugh, the military man she met and married within three months in her home country of Germany. With Robert being in the Air Force, they moved frequently and enjoyed every new assignment together.

She was the loving mother to one daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Michael Brickner, and granddaughter, Breanna Brickner, of Birmingham, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and precious niece, all of Germany. Those she left behind to honor her memory include her brother Helmut Spahn and her sister & brother-in-law Margret and Joe Moore.

Hiltrud lived for her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking delicious German meals and baking exquisite, European cakes and pastries. She authored The Art of European Cooking as a testimony to her love of preparing meals for family and friends. She never met a stranger and made friends everywhere she went and was affectionally known as the “German Lady.” Hiltrud was a devout and faithful member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

A private, Funeral Mass for family was held at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Birmingham, AL, with burial following at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL on December 17th.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.