Hildegard Clara Swords (Age 91)  

January 24, 1926 – August 16, 2017

    Hildegard Clara Swords, or 'Hilde' passed away peacefully at Providence Holy Family Hospital in Spokane on August 16, 2017.  Born in Saarbrucken, Germany, on January 24, 1926 to Helene Kern and Alfred Fromm. Hilde lived in Cologne, Germany as a young girl and then in Munich with her aunt and uncle  at the outset of WWII, she was later joined by her mother and grandmother. As a girl she enjoyed outdoor sports like soccer, hiking, skiing, photography, and bicycle riding.

    Speaking fluent English, in her early 20's she was employed at Oberpfaffenhofem Air Base where she met the “gentleman”, S/ Sgt. Gerald Swords, and they married in Munich in 1951. Then to America thru New York to meet her large US family in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, where she spent her first Thanksgiving and was impressed with the warm welcome she received by the Swords Family. “Its great” she said, “the people are so friendly and so free-hearted, that already I feel at home.” The USAF  moved them to  Tacoma, WA, where 3 children were soon born, then to England from 1958-1962 at Bentwaters/Woodbridge RAF- US base.  With summers in Munich and missing her mother, Helene was able to join the family full time when they returned to Washington State. Retiring from the military life in 1966, they remained in Spokane, enjoying the Northwest climate and landscape, so similar to her beloved Bavaria.  Hilde worked in Base Exchanges in retail, as teen center manager at Fairchild AFB and as bookkeeper for Skaggs Automotive until she retired in 1983.

   Always a gracious hostess, she  enjoyed entertaining many friends and family at home.  With her talent for German cooking  and gardening,  she created a lovely home, with a meticulous eye for detail and beauty. Active in Wives Clubs, the Elks Club, German American Society, St. Charles Parish.  The American Heart Association and  Meals on Wheels as volunteer for 20 years after retiring.   Favorite travel spots were to Germany , Mexico, Hawaii  and  NWvacations were fit in between caring for grandkids during the 1980's and 90's..  And those grandkids loved their Oma's great and generous portioned meals, her legacy remains with grandkids who love to cook and appreciate fine German cuisine. The poolside parties in summer and holiday gatherings  gave Hilde her greatest joy.

Hilde’s retirement years were mostly joyful, then she  slowly developed mobility and memory loss in her last years.  She and Jerry were able to remain at home into their 90’s with help from family and loving dementia aides .  Hilde’s laughs and smiles remained, while she  listened to classical and german music, enjoyed art & pet therapy, TV musicals & dog shows. Hilde spent mornings in the living room window enjoying  her bird garden and weekly lunches out to Das Stein Haus. With drives around Spokane she recognized the landmarks, enjoying views of gardens and was especially fond of seeing dogs in the parks.  Surrounded by her family, she felt safe knowing she was loved, while still missing her mother and darling Jerry.  The are now together at last and forever at peace.

The family would like to thanks friends and neighbors for support,  Amanda and Bryce Lee , Sarah Adams  CNA, Sheryl Engstrom RN,  staff at Dementia Care Solutions, Regency at Northpointe and Providence Holy Family Hospital. Kirsten Robinson MD and Father Tom Connolly of St. Charles Parish.

Hilde was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred in 1925,  Helen in 1992,  and husband Jerry in 2016.  Survived by her children, Ronald Swords, Arlene Humble (Bill), Karen Troyer (John), 6 grandchildren- Matt Boucher(Shasta), Nik Boucher, Jesse Brown(Tam), Travis Brown (Julie) Karl Humble(Kiersten) and Allison Humble. 4 great-grandchildren-Grayson, Madeline, Noah and Gavin, and many nieces and nephews around the country. Cousins Hermann Kern (Agnes) & family in Germany.

Donations appreciated  Meals on Wheels of Spokane or Catholic Charities.

Online condolences & obituary at www.hennessyfuneralhomes.com.  

 Service Information