Hilda Zada Tillo, 89, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, surrounded by loved ones in Vancouver, Wash.
She was born on Oct. 30, 1922, in Highmore, S.D., the last of eight children born to George and Marie Peet. When she was young, her family moved to East Helena. She met and married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Tillo, at age 19.
Hilda was a wonderful and devoted mother and homemaker and worked hard to raise a family while Joe was away serving in World War II and throughout his military career. She was an incredible seamstress, could
re-create any pattern she saw and stitch it, tailoring it perfectly.
Joe and Hilda lived an adventurous life. In their 50s, they took a 3,000-mile motorcycle trip through the western U.S., visiting family along the way. Hilda often said the times she spent riding that motorcycle with Joe were some of the most fun they had. After 63 years of marriage, and her husband’s passing, Hilda moved to Vancouver. She resided at Highgate Retirement Community, where she made many friends and was much loved by the staff and residents.
Hilda was a woman full of life whose quick wit brought laughter to all who knew her.
She will be remembered for the love she gave to her family, her devoted husband of 63 years, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Hilda is survived by her son, Joseph Tillo (Nan) of East Helena; her daughters, Terry Morris (Ron) of Helena, Carolyn Alvstad (Roy), Barbara Moore (Steve) and Lisa Sellers (Jon) of Vancouver; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
At Hilda’s request, there will be no memorial service. Her remains will be taken back to Montana by her family in August to be buried next to her beloved Joe at Fort Harrison military cemetery.
The family wants to thank the staff at Highgate for the incredible care they gave to Hilda during her time there. Their compassion and kindness will forever be remembered.
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Service Schedule
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Delores Roberts Hill says
Hilda and I go back oh so many years. She was one of my older brother’s first girlfriends, then she married his best friend. My brother and Joe owned a gas station together for a short time. I babysat for JoJo and Theresa when the family lived on Boulder Avenue, many, many year ago. I often wondered what happened to Hilda after Joe passed away as I used to occasionall see them at a casino, but I don’t believe I have seen Hilda since Joe passed. My heart and sympathies go out to the entire family.