Hilda (Penner) Driedger

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Hilda Driedger.  She entered her eternal home peacefully, surrounded by her family at the Neepawa hospital on April 11, 2024 at the age of 74 years.

Mom was born in Altona, April 26th, 1949 to Henry & Dora Penner.  She was the oldest of five children.  Mom was a fun-loving girl and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  She was a wonderful role model and mentor to all those around her.  Mom met Dad, Herb Driedger when she was 16.  Mom was baptized upon the confession of her faith in the spring of 1967 and later in June of that year, Mom and Dad were married.  As newlyweds they started their married life in Winnipeg; this was where their first-born Rhonda arrived.  A few years later they moved away from the city to the country (MacGregor area) where Kevin, Lorrie, Melinda and Darwin were born.

Mom and Dad bought the Penner farm in 1975 and started the farming life.  As they raised their family, they always tried to teach by example and put their love for the Lord first and foremost.  Years later Mom entered the workforce in many different capacities: home-care, McCains, housecleaning and health care aide.  She realized her passion for her final vocation as she cared for many people in the 24 years that she worked at the Lions Prairie Manor and the MacGregor Health Centre.  She has always carried herself with gentleness and kindness and this was evident with the residents that received her care.

In 2006, Mom and Dad moved off the farm to Austin, MB and six years later, she retired.  Mom was always a devoted wife and loving mother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Shopping, tea parties, craft days, family gatherings were all events that everyone enjoyed.  Mom always went above and beyond to make everything extra special.

Mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer on March 25, 2024.  Mom was never one to give up but she always wanted to do the Lord’s will and so she only fought a short while before the Lord called her home.

She was predeceased by her parents, Henry & Dora Penner; son, Kevin; baby born in infancy; and grand-daughter Sondra.

She is survived by her husband, Herb Driedger; children Rhonda (Frank), Lorrie (Danny), Melinda (Jake), Darwin (Erin), daughter-in-law Leona (Isaac), 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers, 1 sister and 1 sister-in-law.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the Neepawa hospital for their compassionate care of Mom and also to Clarke’s Funeral Home for their care and compassion.  Any donations can be made to the Neepawa Palliative Care Unit.