It is with great sadness for our loss, but incredible gratitude for the time we had together, that we announce the peaceful passing of our family’s matriarch, Hilda Dickson, in her 98th year. Profoundly missed by her daughters Catherine Crigger and Christine Barnes, grandchildren Ryan Barnes (Catherine), Kevin Crigger (Ethan), Karen Szwedo (Mathew) and Bradley Barnes (Jordan), great grandchildren Audrey, Andrew, and baby Sebastian, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Predeceased by her husband Robert and daughter Colleen, we take great comfort in knowing they have been reunited at last.

Hilda lived an exemplary life and has left her family with a wonderful legacy. She had a lifelong passion for learning, and instilled in those around her its great importance. Whether it be hours of reading with her grandchildren, continually drilling them on their multiplication tables, or many late nights working together on school projects, Hilda’s grandchildren always had a constant support in their corner, pushing them on to succeed. She instilled in her children and grandchildren a strong work ethic, the importance of family, and strength of faith.

An insightful, tenacious, and deeply religious person, Hilda took great comfort throughout the trials and tribulations of life in her Catholic faith. Predeceased by her parents, husband, daughter, 11 brothers and many family members and friends Hilda experienced the ups and downs of life, but was always steadfast in her faith.

From her school days at St. Clare’s and St. Joe’s Wellesley, through to her work days at Toronto City Hall, and her many years in Etobicoke, Hilda made deep and lasting friendships wherever she went. She travelled extensively with “the girls”, many of whom she was friends with her whole life long.

Since her birth in 1920 Hilda has seen a world of incredible change, having lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and numerous social and political conflicts. She saw a world of immense progress, having lived through 20 Prime Ministers, 9 Popes, and 4 British Monarchs.
Hilda sought to live life for as long as she could, and showed the same tenacity in death, as she did in life. The family would like to thank Dr. L. Mavrogiannis & Dr. R. Mah for their dedication and compassionate care, the staff of Dorothy Ley & The Westbury, Lori Parfenuik, Maureen Curtis, Father Ed Curtis, Joanne Cronin, Gordana Karan, Eva, and her incredible caregivers Feli, Sally, Melanie, Bless & Claire for their support over the years.

Friends will be received at the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas Street West, on Sunday, April 22nd from 2p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clement Catholic Church, 409 Markland Drive in Etobicoke, on Monday, April 23rd at 11am. Interment to follow at Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery, 305 Erskine Avenue and a reception at The Granite Club, 2350 Bayview Avenue immediately following.

Donations may be made in Hilda’s memory to The Dorothy Ley Hospice.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm on your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.