Mary Hildebrandt
May 19, 1941 – February 21, 2026
Mary was born to Rev Jacob and Mary Pauls and grew up in Osler SK. She was baptized in 1960 in the Osler Mennonite Church by her father. She married Ed Hildebrandt in 1963 and they raised a family on a farm by Neuhorst. They had many good times and adventures before Ed passed in 2018. Mary’s path then crossed with Abe Giesbrecht, and she thought it would be a good idea if they went out for coffee sooner rather than later! Mary and Abe married in Jan 2022 and they took many drives wherever took their fancy, usually stopping for ice cream on the way. Mary passed peacefully on Feb 21 with her children around her.
Mary is survived by husband Abe; children Gerry (Pete), Sherry (Scott), Tim (Selma), Emilie (Patrick); grandchildren Amy (Logan), Lisa (Michael), Sara (Arek), Austin, Shawn; great-grandchild Ares; step-children Joe (Kerry), Judy (Ken), Carol (Michael), Karen (Sheldon); many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren; siblings Edna, Wes (Mary), Richard (Lori), Irma (Nick), Calvin (Judy); many extended family.
Mary was predeceased by husband Ed Hildebrandt; parents Jacob and Mary Pauls; brothers Melvin, Bob, Edward, Leonard; several extended family members.
Mary had several cooking gigs, making many soups, pies, and homemade noodles. We estimate that she made around 250,000 buns in her lifetime! There were many family holidays; she enjoyed picnics in parks, swimming (although she couldn’t swim!), skating, softball, and hockey games. Children, grand-children and great grand-children were a great delight, with babies always bringing her joy. Mary was a documentarian – she kept lists and receipts; had many, many photo albums; and if you every played cards with her there will be a record of it in the notebook (you know the one). Mary was a woman of strong faith, generous heart, and easy and frequent laughter. One of her last requests was for Tim to take her skating, so we imagine she is now gliding around up in heaven, laughing with joy.
Heartfelt thanks to the palliative teams at St Paul’s and the Hospice at Glengarda for the loving care they provided to mom.
Viewing and sharing time will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Dalmeny Funeral Home, 139 3rd Street, Dalmeny. Funeral service is Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Warman Bergthaler Mennonite Church. To watch the live stream please click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE MARY HILDEBRANDT
(No password or login will be necessary. A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to mom’s favourite charity, Operation Smile.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
The memories I have of Mary are from when we lived near Osler and my mom attended TOPS. Mary made me my own banner and gave me a charm every time that I came with my mom. She was a wonderful lady! Condolences to the family during your great loss.