(nee Hercher)June 27, 1921 to December 26, 2016 The family of Hildegard Heist is saddened to announce Hilda's passing on December 26, 2016, at the Atikokan General Hospital, with her loving family by her side. Hilda was born on June 27, 1921, to Cacilie and Eckhardt Hercher in Kalbach, Germany. This is where Hilda grew up and attended school. In 1945, Hans Heist was released from the responsibilities of war and returned to Kalbach, Germany where he grew up as a young man. Hans and Hilda were long time classmates. In 1950, Hilda was united in marriage to the love of her life, Hans Heist. Hilda and Hans lived in Bonames, Germany, until they immigrated to Canada in April of 1957, with their sons, Harold and Gerald. Hilda became a Canadian Citizen on May 26, 1966. Hilda and Hans settled in Campbellville,Ontario, where they built their home, which they enjoyed for many years. Hilda was the neighbourhood babysitter, and an active member of the Nassagaweya Women's Institute, while Hans was a lathe operator, manufacturing crank shafts for large ships. In their 60's, Hilda and Hans, with their love of nature, would go on 200 mile canoe trips in Quetico Provincial Park. In the fall of 1996, Hilda and Hans moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario. On December 7, 1998, Hans passed away following a long battle with Alzheimer's. Hilda was a long-time, active member of the Alzheimer's Society of Thunder Bay. Hilda loved being with her family, enjoying her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Hilda is lovingly remembered by son Gerald (Marcia), daughter-in-law Eleanor, grandsons Byron (Jodi), Vincent (Krisztina) and David (Janet); great grandchildren Chantal (Jesse), Myranda, Krista (Nate), Maxwell, Nate, Aaron (Kristy) and Kristin (Andrew); and great great grandchildren Kellan and Isaac, as well as Nicola Richardson, whom she truly loved as her own “baby girl”. Hilda will also be fondly remembered by friends and relatives in Canada and Germany. Hilda was predeceased by husband Hans, son Harold and daughter-in-law Eva Bloesser. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7th, 2017, in the Chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 North Court Street. Hilda will be laid to rest, reunited with her husband Hans, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Thunder Bay, ON. In lieu of flowers, the family would like those who wish to honour Hilda's life, to spend time with an elderly friend or loved one.