Death Notices

SCHENN, Hilda (nee Knebel) - Peacefully at the Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe, Ontario on May 30th, 2024, in her 97th year.  Daughter of the late Jacob Knebel and Rosa (Weselan).  Hilda was born in Bistrita, Romania on April 23rd, 1928 and immigrated to Canada in 1935 at age 6, first to Cultus, Ontario and then to Windham Centre, Ontario. She was the beloved mother of three children: Simon Karl Schenn (Gail), Walter John Schenn (Jan) and Rosemarie Elizabeth Stewart.  Hilda was the proud Grandmother of seven grandchildren: Zachary, Nathan (Kelly), Marissa (Murray), Sabrina (Jamey), Natasha, Jordan and Julian (Melissa) and nine great grandchildren: Palmer, Bauer, Isadora, Landon, Nolan, Damien, Azrael, Petra and Slade.  Hilda will be sadly missed by her sister Erna Lukawski as well as all her nieces, nephews and cousins. She will also be fondly remembered by her remaining family in Germany.  Hilda was predeceased by her husband Simon Schenn Jr., her brother Karl Knebel, her favourite son-in-law Neil Stewart, her daughter-in-law Avarel Schenn, her brother-in-law George Schenn, her sister-in-law Mary Schenn, her brother-in-law Walter Lukawski and the love of her life...Susie!  Hilda was married to Simon and together they farmed tobacco crops and apple orchards in the Vittoria area for over 30 years.  Hilda was an active member and executive of the Delhi District German Home and also an active and founding member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Simcoe, Ontario.  She was a past member of the Vittoria Home and School, the Lung Association, the Cancer Society and the Norfolk General Hospital Auxiliary.  Hilda was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother and great grandmother, a warm and caring listener and counsellor to all her family and to the many friends that came to know her.  She was a source of strength in difficult times whether it was a hailstorm ruining the crops, the death of a beloved pet or any time someone needed a shoulder to lean on.  Her opening line was “now you have to be strong!” Much of her strength came from her devout faith and it carried her throughout her 96 years on earth.  Hilda was a hard worker and her hands told the story of her life.  She loved the feel of the earth in her fingers while working in her huge flower and vegetable gardens.  Even though much of her time was spent working and raising children, she still took a few moments every morning to look her best before her day started.  She was a beautiful elegant lady who set high standards for herself and her family.  Hilda was a woman of many talents and food was her love language. Her favourite ingredients were bacon fat, sugar and butter...in that order.  She was an amazing cook and baker and loved the feel of the dough in her hands while baking her donuts and kipful....and then there were her famous apple squares!  Our precious Mom (also known as Grandma, GG, Omi and Moat) created a loving warm environment in her home in which everyone felt welcome. She was truly the matriarch of our family and will be deeply missed by all.  A private family visitation was held with internment following at Oakwood Cemetery, Simcoe.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in memory of Hilda are asked to consider the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation, Norview Lodge or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.  Expressions of sympathy can be made through the JASON SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL, 689 Norfolk St. North Simcoe.  A special thank you to her family at Norview Lodge who loved and cared for her during her time at Poplar Heights.  Thank you also to the staff at Norfolk General Hospital for their excellent care in her last few days.  Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com (519) 426-0199