Hildegard O'Neill

Hildegard O’Neill (nee Ehrich), a long-time resident of Fountain Hills, died New Year’s day at Fountain View Village.

Born in Chicago to William and Martha Ehrich (nee Biedowicz) on June 3, 1927, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen (1953) and brother, William (2009).

She is survived by her husband, Walter; four children, Kevin (Jo Lynn), Kathy (Ed) Nelson, Michael (Wilma) and Mary (Dave) Ryberg; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

As a young woman, Hildegard wanted to help her family during the difficult war years, so she chose not to graduate from a traditional high school. Instead, she trained in secretarial skills at St. Philomena Commercial School and later attended Gregg College for shorthand.

She excelled in her studies and landed her first job as secretary for the attorney general of the State of Illinois. Hilde finished her working career as the executive administrative assistant to the CEO of W.W. Grainger.

Hildegard and Walter were married on May 1, 1948. A honeymoon cabin in Wisconsin awaited them, but their honeymoon plans were sidelined when Walter received orders for an immediate tour of duty in the then territory of Hawaii. After spending their wedding night in Chicago, Walter shipped out for Oahu and Hilde joined him shortly thereafter. That following year in Hawaii was Walter’s last tour of duty in the US Coast Guard.

In 1949, they returned to Chicago with Kevin, their first child and “Hawaiian souvenir,” to grow and raise their family. They retired to Bloomington, Ind. in 1991, and then finally moved to Fountain Hills in 1995. They were happily married for 67 years.

Hilde’s devotion to family was a constant throughout her life. She was a very loving, supportive wife and mother. Nothing made her happier than spending time with family or, when apart, hearing about the details of her children’s lives.

She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and delighted in the birth of each new great grandchild. She was also a loyal and fun-loving friend, whose curiosity and genuine interest in others helped to create a circle of friends wherever she lived. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Church of the Ascension, 12615 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Hildegard’s name to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls at mercyhome.org or to the Church of the Ascension at ascensionfh.org.

“When through one woman a little more love and goodness, a little more light and truth come into the world, then that woman's life has meaning.” — Alfred Delp

Hildegard Ehrich O’Neill was a shining star that brought light and meaning to our world through the depth of her love of family and friends, her integrity and purity of heart. When you remember her sweet spirit, take a moment to cherish all those whom you hold dear.