Obituary of Hilda John Fransen

UPDATE

The children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Hilda Fransen would like to warmly invite Hilda’s extended family and friends to attend a celebration of her life. This casual gathering to chat over coffee and tea will take place between 2:00 and 4:00 pm on Tuesday, August 8 in the Fireside Room at the Tallman Funeral Home in Vineland. Please feel free to drop in whenever you can. Any questions or comments can be directed to David Fransen at dwfransen@gmail.com.

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Hilda Fransen (1932 - 2021)

Hilda John Fransen, 88, passed away on January 19, 2021 at the Vineland United Mennonite Home (VUMH). Born in Foam Lake, SK on July 20, 1932, she spent her formative years in the Prairies moving several times when her father became a grain elevator agent. Life was hard during this era but family stories tell of the grace and generosity of the Wall family for those in need. Hilda was always active, playing hockey and cross-country skiing in the winter; summers were spent helping her sister Theresa and brother-in-law Victor Enns on the farm in Ste. Elizabeth, MB.

Hilda moved with her parents to Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1950. She worked as a secretary for St. Catharines Fruit Coop where she met George Fransen. In 1952 they married and moved to the Fransen farm at Jordan Harbour. Later, they moved to Vineland where they raised their family of three children till George’s passing in 1971.

Hilda and George had several business ventures: heating oil delivery service and Vineland’s first laundromat. Hilda also ran a phone answering service for several local doctors and businesses. She later worked at VUMH. For more than 40 years Hilda taught piano to students of all ages, sharing her love of music.

There was always a garden in the background, bringing her solace and joy. Even her vegetable gardens at our various homes were beautifully bordered with flowers. In her latest version she showcased many wildflowers. The arbour entrance to this had a sign that read “Walk Through For Therapy”.

Another therapy for Hilda was her evening devotional reading. Her father’s German Bible was always within reach.
Hilda enjoyed canning & baking, often delivering goodies to neighbours. She hosted many parties and gatherings. Her generous hospitality in our home was her way of showing her love for family & friends.

In 1999 Hilda married Hendrik (Hank) Vroom, extending her family to include Hank’s nine children & seventeen grandchildren. They enjoyed traveling to visit family throughout Canada & the United States. Hank passed in 2006.

Hilda is survived by her three children, five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. David, Barbara & family: Sandra & Kieran (Del Pasqua), Nadia, Ronan, Tèa; Aaron & Courtney (Wilson), Pia, Max, Ryan, Ellie, Julia. Carolynn, Doug (Derksen) & family: Sarah & Rainer (Schira), Sandra, Matthias; Katie. Jerry, Kathy (Perry) & family: Hannah & Joel (Morrissey), Evelyn, Olivia. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Susanna Wall and her sister Theresa Enns and her brother John Wall; six siblings died in infancy.

The family is grateful for the loving care given to our Mom, Oma & Omama by the staff at Orchard View Apartments & Vineland United Mennonite Home.

Anyone wishing to honour Hilda may make a donation to Vineland United Mennonite Home or to Mennonite Central Committee.