Hilde Marianne (Frohlich) Wilson

Hilde Marianne Wilson (nee Fröhlich) quietly passed away in her sleep on Saturday, December 31, 2016. Hilde was born June 12, 1925 to Otto and Lily Fröhlich in Kassel, Germany. She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Wilson, sisters Eva Dainard and Renate Paulson, and brother Karl Fröhlich. She is survived by her children, Janet, Gayle (Kathie), Claire and David, as well as her three grandchildren, Kyle delRosario, Ethan Wilson-Leavell, and Sydney Wilson-Leavell, five great-grandchildren and one

great-great grandchild.

Hilde never wanted anyone to concern themselves about her or to "cause a fuss". She only cared about helping others. Her word was her bond. She was persistent and resourceful.

Born in Kassel, Germany, the family was well-to-do, with servants and a privileged life-style. Otto (her father) owned a canvas factory but lost it when it was taken over by the Nazis. Though practicing Christians, they were forced to flee Nazi Germany and lost everything because Lily's family was Jewish. Even though Lily converted to Lutheranism in 1915 in order to attend nursing school, Hilde's family was forced to wear the yellow Star of David. Hitler's reasoning was that even though they weren't practicing Jews, their

heritage was Judaism, so he therefore decided they were still Jewish.

Arriving in Seattle with nothing, her mother became a seamstress and worked in a laundry, and her father, a broken man, was never able to again find his niche.

She attended Roosevelt High School, not speaking a word of English, ultimately becoming an exceptional writer and speller. There was no one else in school in her situation. Because of her circumstances she was treated as an outcast by schoolmates and by society at large. Her activities were curtailed by governmental restrictions. A curfew was in effect. She was not allowed to participate in her high school graduation or prom.

The circumstances she grew up in helped mold her benevolent, practical, humble and non-judgmental nature. She always saw the good in everyone. Despite her difficult teen years, or perhaps because of them, she dedicated her life to helping others. After attending the UW she worked for the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. She was very involved with her kid's club and school activities. She spent many years providing compassionate counseling and assistance to families seeking financial aid at Children's Orthopedic

Hospital, and ultimately many years volunteering at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop on Roosevelt Way. Her efforts to track down the rightful owner of an item for verification when a Discovery Shop donation just didn't seem right were legendary. Everyone marveled at her leadership, and attention to detail. She was sweet, caring, clever and creative. If anyone needed anything, you could count on her. She taught us so much, loved us no matter how stupid we were, made us laugh, and always had a smile on her face.

Mom would be uncomfortable with the attention focused upon her. She was always there to listen and you knew she cared. She was a wonderful person. The world has lost an Angel that will not be soon forgotten.

We so often forget the hardships of generations past and get lost in a thought stream that revolves around ourselves. Hilde transcended that, and she now lives through all those who she touched, and who touched her.

Our family wishes to thank the staff at Maple Leaf for the support and compassionate care our mother received during her 5 years there.

Memorial is being held on January 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Maple Leaf Assisted Living and Memory Care (9001 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115). In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent "in memory of Hilde Wilson" to the Greenwood Senior Center (525 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103); Seattle Children's Hospital Foundation - Uncompensated Care Fund (PO Box 5371,

Seattle, WA 98145); or the American Cancer Society (2120-1st Ave N, Seattle WA 98109 or www.cancer.org).