Koch, Hilda Catherine 1925-2022

It is with profound sadness that Hilda's family announces that she passed away peacefully in her sleep at Stratford General Hospital on Sunday, February 13, 2022, in her 97th year. Formerly a life-long resident of Wellesley, Hilda has resided at Nithview Community since 2015. Born in Wellesley on October 19, 1925, she was the only daughter of the late Ezra and Oliva (Lotz) Hoffman, and was predeceased by her loving husband, Alvin Peter Koch (February 13, 1975), as well as by her son-in-law, David Molloy (December 30, 2016). Hilda was also predeceased by her cherished aunt, Hilda Lotz, and by her uncle, Albert Lotz.
Hilda is lovingly remembered by her son, Rodney (Pui), and her daughter, Iris Molloy; her grandchildren, Christine Koch (Sathish), Kimberly Koch (Riley), Megan Molloy (David), Kaitlyn Molloy (Ike); and her two great-grandchildren, Karthik and Rae.
After attending Business College in Kitchener, Hilda was employed by the Bank of Montreal in Kitchener, the CIBC in Wellesley, and at the local doctor's office until her retirement. Hilda was always very passionate about the Wellesley Fall Fair, and won a prized silver plate awarded by the T. Eaton Company in 1935 at the age of ten after competing in a speaking contest. Her involvement with the Fair continued for the next 70 years. She was a past member of the Wellesley Historical Society, and the Wellesley Township Horticultural Society.
Hilda was a committed and dedicated member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Wellesley, where she was involved with numerous committees, and was the church organist for 46 years. Volunteering was the centre of her life, particularly with church activities, retirement homes, and local service groups. She served on the Nithview Home's auxiliary, and was a roving reporter for the home's quarterly newsletter. In 1986, Hilda was awarded Wellesley Citizen of the Year, acknowledging both her volunteer and community work. At home, she was continuously working on scrapbooking projects including numerous articles about births, graduations, weddings, and photographs, plus other celebrations of her friends and acquaintances. Hilda was well known in the community and cherished her frequent visits with her many longstanding friends. Rest in peace "Mother Koch" (aka "Mother Wellesley").
Visitation will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Hilda's Life. Those wishing to join the family from home can follow the view livestream link beginning at 1:00 p.m. under Hilda's obituary on the funeral home website. Pastor David Hammer officiating. Interment will follow in the Spring at St. Mark's Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, as expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Please wear your mask and respect social distancing.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and caregivers at Stratford General Hospital, and at Nithview Community for their kind and compassionate care for Hilda. Arrangements have been entrusted to Futher-Franklin Funeral Home 1172 Henry Street, Wellesley, ON (519-656-2880). Please visit https://www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com/ for more information.

For donations to the Alzheimer Society, click on link
www.alzheimer.ca/ww/en
For donations to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, please mail a cheque to
the church or to the funeral home or you may e-transfer directly to the church
using this email address stmarks-wellchurch@bellnet.ca
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