Hilda Lorraine was born on August 13, 1927 near Rosenheim, Alberta to Frank and Lena (nee Holzinger) Flad. She was the oldest of four children and attended Hendersonville School. After completing her grade 8, her dad needed a hired hand on the farm and much to the disappointment of Hilda, this cut short her education.

For several years she had the wonderful experience of moving to Provost and working in Bill Burr’s General Store. On November 28, 1950, Hilda married the love of her life, Carl Heck, in Bodo, Alberta. They lived in Bodo, Calmar and finally settled in Hayter where they raised their six children.

In 1968, Hilda started working part time at the Provost Hospital and eventually went on to full time in the laundry. After 20 years of employment, she retired and from this made many lifelong friendships. 1981 brought a big change when they built their house in Provost. After Carl fully retired in 1998 they went on to enjoy many years of travel, camping and time with family and friends.

In addition to her commitment to her family, Hilda was equally committed to her faith. She was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish and CWL for 65 years.

 In 2009, Carl passed away, which brought many new changes for Hilda.

Her willingness to adapt allowed her to stay in her house until 2014 when she moved to Hillcrest Lodge before her final move to the Provost Health Centre Long Term Care in 2018.

On February 21, 2019, Hilda passed away at the Provost Health Centre at the age of 91 years.

She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Rita Hawtin, Harvey (Patti) Heck, Colleen (Mike) McNamee, Eldon (Vi) Heck, Maxine (Greg) Chase and Angela (Harold) Sperling; grandchildren, Janelle (Darren), Cameron, Ryan (Dianna), Randy (Abby), Richelle (Frazer), Sean (Dalyace), Jill (Scott), Sheldon (Lisa), Bradley (Sherry), Amy (Sam), TJ (Kaytlin), Britney, Brooklyne, Jenn and Stacey (Mike); great grandchildren, Delaney, Donovan, Steven, Brianna, Nora, Sullivan, Gavin, Hunter, Scotlyn, Braeden, Connor, Mackenzey, Kale, Haylee, Addyson, Aiden, Mila, Kobe, Payton, Nash and Sadie; sister in laws, Jean Flad and Rhonda Heck; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Hilda was predeceased by her husband, Carl; son in law, Bev Hawtin; grandson, Kolby Heck; great grandson, Cohen Newton; brothers, Willie (Emma) and Herman; sister, Armella (Otto) Scherger.

She’s a person who keeps on encouraging us to be all that we possibly can,

She’s the confidante teacher, and wonderful friend who supports all we hope for and plan.

She can sense how we’re feeling without being told, and when there’s a problem or two,

She gently reminds us she’s there for us always to lovingly help us through.

There are so many people who pass through our lives leaving something to fondly recall, But only one mother to cherish forever 

~ The most precious person of all.
-Emily Matthews