top of page

Hilda Epp

Image by Nick Andréka

HILDEGARD "HILDA" EPP

(née DYCK)

Hildegard "Hilda" Epp (née Dyck) was born in a Mennonite village in Southern Russia, now Ukraine, during Soviet time. She treasured the memory of her carefree, sunny childhood when she was growing up, surrounded by a loving family. At the age of 11 all this came crashing down in 1937 when her whole family, together with millions of others, became victims of Stalin’s purges.

 

After spending three years in an orphanage, Hilda was able to join her older cousin, Susan Venichenko and her family, back in her home city. When the war with Germany broke out in 1941, the family was sent to the Caucasian Mountains and went through many tribulations eventually returning to the Ukraine now under German occupation. From here contact was made with her mother’s relatives in Germany.

 

In August 1943, Hilda arrived in Werdau, Germany, the birthplace of her mother, where she found another loving family as well as her older brother, Herbert. She worked and lived in different places.

Together with the Venichenkos, they contacted their paternal relatives in Canada. With the help of these relatives and a Mennonite organization called Mennonite Central Committee, they were able to immigrate to Canada in the fall of 1948. Hilda spent the first two years in Saskatchewan where she was able to finish her high school education before moving to Brandon, Manitoba for four years to get her nurse’s training.

 

In 1954 Hilda moved to Winnipeg and married Henry Epp. Henry had also come to Canada from the same area in the Ukraine. Together they worked hard and raised four wonderful children and later enjoyed their grandchildren. This was now their OWN family! Henry’s mother, Matilda, lived with them for two and a half years. She passed away in March of 1957. Hilda worked as a nurse at the old Grace Hospital for four years and at Bethania P.C.H. for fifteen years. Upon retirement, volunteering became an important part of Hilda’s life.

 

Besides a deep love of her family, Hilda enjoyed all of nature, the arts, history and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Her husband Henry passed away in July 2000 after a struggle with cancer. They were married forty-six years. In September 2008 Hilda sold the family house and moved into Concordia Village where she found yet another wonderful home. With age came a contentment, rooted in a deep faith in her Heavenly Father. Thanks be to God for his wonderful leading in her life!

 

[Note: The above was written

by Hilda in April 2018.]

 

Hilda’s health began to deteriorate in July 2022 but to everyone’s delight, she recovered after each hospital stay. The following year, on May 31, 2023, she was admitted to Riverview for her final journey. She died and was taken by the hand of her loving Heavenly Father on Tuesday morning, June 13, 2023.

 

Having given her blessings and said her goodbyes, Hilda leaves her four children, David (Penelope predeceased, Ingrid) Epp, John (Shannon) Epp, Linda (Dean) Koks, and Richard (Karen) Epp; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

 

She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Epp; loving parents, Peter Dyck and Elsbeth (née Wilhelm); brothers Herbert, Peter and Walter; and sister Margaret; as well as her surrogate parents, Susan and Alexander Venichenko; and their daughters, Lydia (Jim) Barrett and family, and Margie Pratt and family; two nephews, Eugene Chudinov and family, and Valery (Tatyana) Dyck and family; three cousins in Europe and several in Canada.

 

The memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday June 18, 2023 at Concordia Village (1125 Molson Street). Reception to follow.

 

In lieu of flowers please donate to Mennonite Central Committee and/or Concordia Wellness.

Hilda's family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

7 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)

Margot Hordern

July 15, 2023 at 5:29 PM

My grandmother was Hilda's cousin. She settled  in Canada in 1923, married and had a family in Saskatchewan.  My mother told me what an impression Hilda's arrival made on her, a teenager at the time: life was just different in the presence of this beautiful, vivacious cousin with such a tragic life story.  They didn't always live in the same city, but Hilda and my mother became good friends, who could share life's many ups and downs as they raised families and cared for elders in Western Canada. My own memories of Hilda are mainly from the days in Winnipeg, when all of us were children. There was always activity on our frequent visits, with new babies arriving, not to mention Sparky the dog.   Hilda's passing is indeed the end of an era.   I made a donation to the MCC in her memory, with gratitude for her presence in my life and a heavy heart for her passing. Wishing peace to all the family, from Calgary.

Peter Wilhelm

June 20, 2023 at 5:32 AM

Dear Epp family especially Linda to hear about your moms passing. My prayers  are with you. Your Peter Wilhelm from England 

Ulrike Beltz

June 19, 2023 at 1:50 PM

Dear Epp family, we are so sad to hear about your moms death. Our prayers are with you. Your Wilhelm family from Germany Karola Ulrike and family Alexander and family

Brian Frank

June 18, 2023 at 5:26 PM

My dear John, I was so saddened to hear about your mother’s passing on Tuesday.   I just received a text from Heide with this information and that the funeral is slated for tomorrow. Words can’t express the depths of sorrow and feelings and emotions associated with the passing of one’s mother, something I can relate to, and so I feel your pain and anguish at  losing this precious soul.  Your mom lived a very full and intense life, and she has finally made it home into the arms of our Lord Jesus, and in the presence of the Holy Spirit and God, our Father, Abba, where she will remain forever in the presence of all the saints and your dad in heaven. I feel very privileged and happy to have known your mom, and to have enjoyed such warm conversations with her on those rare times and enjoy her wonderful company, when we met. I will offer a mass for Hilda, for you, John, your siblings and family members and rest assured I will continue to pray for all of you and especially your mom, in my daily prayers. May God bless you, Shannon, and your family and friends, as you mourn  the passing of such a beautiful lady. Brian

Rosalie

June 18, 2023 at 3:00 PM

I remember Hilda as an amazing volunteer at Bethania. In a quiet way she had very encouraging and supportive relationship with many residents and with staff.  Indeed she was a gift to many. 

Hermine & David Olfert

June 17, 2023 at 6:24 PM

Dear "Epp Family", We did not know your Mom Hilda Epp, until we moved into "Concordia Village"  two years ago. God led our circumstances in such a way, that we lived across the   hall from each other.  Over a short period of time  we became very dear friends ! This was a special gift to us and seemingly to her as well.-:) She never  discouraged us for  the many times we would 'go out' or away, nor was she negative at anytime towards us,  Instead she would encourage us by saying 'Just do it while you can!" In the meantime she in turn experienced her elderly body becoming more frail, - especially over the last year. This meant she was much more tied down to her room and our facility. It was a privilege to drop in often and be able to re-assure her,  that we were close by if she needed us.   During this last year  as Hilda experienced SO many "ups & downs" we learned much from her! Despite  her  frailties increasing she NEVER  complained. Her trust in God to carry her through uncertain times was always evident! The determination she had, to go on doing her part, to remain independent and mobile was modeled over and over again. Yet-- she made it clear she was ready to be called into eternity. We will miss Hilda, across the hall from us, but will not forget the role model she was, in regards to accepting our aging process. We extend our heart felt sympathy and compassion to your entire Family as you reflect on who she was and how she lived her life.  We extend our love & prayers for your entire family. "May the Peace of Christ be with you."

Elsie

June 17, 2023 at 5:23 PM

Many fond memories of Hildegarde visiting our family at our farm in Saskatchewan and here in Manitoba, always interesting stories and laughter. Peace and comfort to her family. ❤
DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

bottom of page