December 25, 1934 – March 21, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Hildegard Mazur announces her peaceful passing on March 21, 2025, with her family by her side.
Hildegard Clara Pecha was born on Christmas Day in Delmenhorst, Germany, to parents Ella and Heinz. One of four children, Hilde had two younger brothers, Johnny and Eduard, and a younger sister, Rita. After growing up during the war, and losing her father and brother because of it, Hilde knew she would have to leave the country for a better life. In 1954, Hilde left Germany for Canada. At only 19 years old, Hilde and a few of her friends boarded a boat to Halifax, Nova Scotia and from there took a train to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
After arriving in Winnipeg, Hilde briefly worked as a domestic before boarding a train once more. Hilde left Manitoba behind and moved to Port Arthur, Ontario, where she met a lovely lady named Elsie Van Horne, who worked for the Red Cross. Elsie took Hilde in, and Hilde became the nanny for her two children. This became a lifelong friendship, which would extend to her future husband and children.
In 1956 Hilde moved Caramat, Ontario, where she worked as a cook, or cookie, at camp 53. It was here that Hilde met her future husband, Kaz Mazur. Hilde and Kaz were married on December 1, 1956, in Port Arthur. While the two lived in Caramat, they had a son, Robert, followed by a daughter, Diane. Once Robert was of school age, the family moved to Port Arthur.
Over the years, Hilde took many correspondent courses: vocational school, flower arranging and floristry, health care aide and practical nursing. Hilde worked in many places over her career, including various nursing homes and Swan’s Nurseries a job she loved and spent several years of, because of her passion for flower arranging. Later, Hilde would create beautiful wedding arrangements for friends and eventually her own daughter.
Hilde loved cooking and baking traditional German dishes and was most happy when looking after her big garden, from which she would preserve vegetables, make bread and butter pickles, and make jar after jar of both raspberry and plum jam.
Hilde will be greatly missed by her children, Robert Mazur and Diane Schaller. Oma will be lovingly remembered by her granddaughter Latasha Deleo (Rob). Hilde was predeceased by her parents, Ella and Heinz Pecha; brothers, Johnny and Eduard Pecha; husband, Kaz Mazur; and son-in-law, Frank Schaller.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor on Spruce Grove, where Hilde was given excellent care and was loved by many of the nursing staff.
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday April 17, 2025, at First Christian Reformed Church on 9 Cooper Road, Rosslyn, at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, we ask that donations be made in Hilde’s memory to First Christian Reformed Church or Murillo Mutts Respite Refuge.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
