Hildegarde Taylor
December 21, 1916 ~ February 25, 2011
Hildegarde Taylor was born to eternal life on February 25 under the care of Hospice at Villa Maria with her family at her side.
Hildegarde (Hildy) Altenbernd was born on December 21, 1916 to Louis and Marie (Brandt) Altenbernd, Sabin, MN. She graduated from Moorhead High and Concordia College. Hildy was a Home Extension Agent in Olivia MN when she married Fred R. Taylor in 1942. Hildy taught at Fargo Central, lived in St. Paul, MN and Warwick, RI prior to returning to Fargo in 1955. Hildy earned an M.S. in Food and Nutrition at NDSU. She was the director of St. Anthony's school lunch program, and taught at Shanley High School. She helped begin the Shanley Speech and Debate program and worked tirelessly on the "First Nighter". She was affectionately known as Mrs. T by many.
Hildy and Fred retired to West Silent Lake MN and Yuma AZ in 1980. After Fred's death in 1982, she remained in Fargo and served as Sacristan at Nativity Catholic Church. In 2003, Hildy moved to Riverview. She touched many in her years of teaching and church service. Hildy was namded Mother of the Year by Nativity Catholic Church and received the Nano Nagle award from the Sisters of the Presentation in 2003. One of her favorite pastimes was playing bridge.
She is survived by her four children, Patricia (Duane) Berglund of Dent MN and Sun City West AZ, Kathleen (Rodney) Valenta of Powell OH, Frederick R. (Jill Jensen) Taylor Jr. of Minneapolis MN, and Richard L. (Debbie Perkins) Taylor of Atlanta GA, eleven grandchildren, Jeffrey (Monica), Jonathan (Nicole), and Paul (Nikki) Berglund, Tiffany (Valenta) Robinson, Nicol (Valenta) (Mark)Anderson, and Ryan Valenta, Michael and Anne Taylor, and Lucy, Patrick (Sarah) and Lucas Taylor. She is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick, sisters, Esther Dibley and Louise Gedde, and brother Walter Altenbernd.
Memorials are suggested for the Presentation Sisters (Fargo), and Hospice of the Red River Valley.
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Lisbon N.D
.Dear Taylor Family, This is a little late but I hope you receive it. This is a true story. Less than one month ago I was boiling spaghetti on the stove and suddenly a thought came to me from my days in Bachelor Foods 101. Mrs. T was teaching us how to know when pasta was fully cooked. She suggested the usual ways to determine it. Then she said (jokingly but true) if you throw it against the wall and it sticks, it’s done. I did and it was. I was thinking of Mrs. T the entire time. I shall never forget her kindness and patience – even with the likes of me and my friends. It’s amazing the lifelong impression a person can make on you, especially when you don’t realize it at the time. She taught me alot more than just spaghetti. John Ringuette Class of ’74
breckenridge mnTo Hildy’s family, my prayers for you. I was saddened to read of her passing. When I was at my parents lake home, it was always a highlight to visit with Hildy while she tended to her gardens. She will be remembered. Marc
New Town ND
My deepest sympathy to the family of Hildy Taylor. Mrs. Taylor was my mother’s next door neighbor in condo on 17th Ave S. My Mother was Lenora Liebenow, and Hildy was so good to her, bringing her soup, going to grocery store for, and just being a good caring neighbor. I will always remember her and her kindness.w
Los Angeles CADear Taylor family,
My sympathies to you in the loss of your mother. I will always remember her for her kindness in high school and for introducing our home ec class to broccoli and cauliflower ! They were totally foreign veggies to us in those days. She smiled at our surprise. She was a great lady and I’ll miss her smiling face.
Gayle
Dent MN
Pat, sorry to hear of your family’s loss. God bless your devotion to your mother in these last year(s). She WILL rest in peace.
Hugs and love,
Annalee and George
St. Paul MN
Mrs. Taylor was known to me as Fred’s mom and the best cook in the world. Fred and I played for hours at a time and his mom never seem to tire of having me stay for supper. Years later its an honest comment on her wonderful loving kindness to me. Years later when Fred and I connected briefly on West Silent Lake where my parents also had a cabin (briefly), Doctor and Mrs. Taylor had me sit down to dinner just like it was yesterday and I was 10 years old again. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor were the very best of people of whom I’ve always been so very proud to have known. My condolences to her survivors and all who knew her and share in her loss.
Eden Prairie MN
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs T. She was a favorite teacher of mine at Shanley. I have many fun memories of her cooking and sewing class.
Stockton CA”Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain.” I always felt like I could let my hair down in Mrs. Taylor’s classes…aside from the kitchen, of course. Her sewing classroom was one big livingroom to me. As I recollect, there was a great deal of meaningful conversation shared between teacher and student and among classmates as we prepared recipes and cut-out patterns. Mrs. Taylor delivered her instruction very clearly and lovingly. She was like a mom away from home and will always be in my memories.
Bismarck ND
So sorry to hear of the passing of my very favorite teacher from Shanley. Mrs. T has always held a very special place in the hearts of all the Ouellette family. She was a very special friend to our Mom and of course taught several of my sisters and brothers in Home – Ec. She truly is one of the very best and I will always hold her in highest regards. My deepest condolences.
Debbie Ouellette Kroshus
Greenville South CarolinaDear Taylor Family,
I was saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. I remember her as one of my favorite teachers at Shanley. Her sewing class set me on my career path and her cooking class taught me skills I use to this day, 40-plus years later!
Her example as a gracious lady, skilled teacher and outstanding role model has always guided me.
I know how difficult this time is for you, but take solace in the knowledge that she will be forever remembered by those who had the chance to know her.
My deepest condolences,
Kathy
Fargo ND
Pat & Duane,
So sorry to hear about your Mom, Pat. It’s hard to lose your parents, no matter what age they are. She was a wonderful lady and I enjoyed knowing her. God bless your family in this difficult time.
Marlene & Ron Hoffart
Davidson North Carolina Dear Pat, Kathy, Fred, Rick and family:
Harriet and I were saddened to learn of Aunt Hildy’s passing from Claudine this morning. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
Our love,
Steve, Harriet, and family.
Fargo ND
Pat, Duane and families,
We were saddened to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as your family transitions to the change.
Fargo ND
Hilde was a lady who could be seen everywhere, because she was a lady who filled in wherever she was needed. She was a true christian, always looking to the needs of others. Our world will be a much lesser place because of her passing! May we all take an example from her life.
Walker MN
Rick and families,
I was saddened to hear about the passing of your Mother, and my dear FAVORITE TEACHER from Shanley, Mrs.Taylor. It was a joy to walk into her classroom, and see her smiling face. She had wit, enthusiasm, and comassion, and she has influenced me throughout my life. I think of her every time I pick up a measuring spoon, or a thread and needle and put on my “wrist pin cushion”. Her wonderful spirit will live on through her students.
Sincerely,
Mary Collins Johnson
Barnesville MN
Dear Taylor family,
Your mother was one of my favorite teachers at Shanley! Sewing was my least favorite, but Mrs. Taylor made it fun! I will keep your family in prayer.
Sue (Frost) Schindler
Lakeville MN
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mrs. T was one of my favorite teachers at Shanley. I learned so much from her. She was the best and I always smile when I think of her.
Sterling Heights MichiganTo the Aunt I will always remember, Aunt Hildie, was a gem. She was always a gentel person with words of encourgement when ever we met.
There is a special place in my heart for my Aunt Hildie and Uncle Fred.
May their souls rest in peace.
My last encounter was at Uncle Ralph’s funeral. We forunately were visiting my parents at their cabin in northern Minnesota
when the news came. We all left for the funeral and the gathering at their Silent Lake home. Those memories are long lasting and the pictures of the final day enbedded into my head. My God Bless you Aunt Hildie.
Curt and Janet Taylor
Moorhead MN
Our condolences & prayers are with you at the passing of a very wonderful lady.
Fargo ND
Dear Taylor Family,
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the passing of your mother Hildegard. Due to illness we won’t be able to attend her funeral.
Hallie and I have many good memories of your mom and dad during our years at ND
SU. Your dad gave me my first job and remember fondly all of the department get togethers at your home.
Your mom was a most gracious lady and she will be truely missed. A donation to Hospice will be given in her memory.
Ron and Hallie Anderson
Fargo ND
Family of Hildy,
My thoughts ae with you as you bid farwell to your Mother, a very gracious and beautiful woman. I was at shanley when your Mother taught there and I have always had the greatest respect for her. She was everything a woman could be and she will be missed. My prayer is that you will have the peace she enjoys now in the loving arms of her God who was a very special part of her life. Peace and blessings,
Sister Petronilla
Our sympathy to all of you on the passing of Mrs. T. She was a wonderful person and a great teacher. I learned many things from her in Home Ec classes at SHS. More recently we had seen her at Villa Maria on the same wing as my father-in-law Ed Beauclair. Always a kind, classy lady. May your memories bring you comfort and may she rest in peace.
Pat,
I was sorry to hear of your mothers death. i stopped in and visited with her last summer when I was in Fargo visiting with some of the Presentation sisters I know. I stopped in to see Marge McShane and noticed your mother. She was very friendly and welcoming. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rich Ludwig
Miami Shores FLI have fond memories of Mrs. Taylor as a friend of my mother’s and as a wonderful teacher/mentor at Shanley.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Breckenridge MnHilde was so fun to visit wth and always had smile for all
Omaha NEMrs T brings back so many good memories during my time at Shanley!!! She was such a dear woman, and a great teacher!!! One fond memory I have was after I was out of high school, and I had made an outfit for my daughter, and saw Mrs T. in Church in Dent MN
. I was so imbarrassed because the outfit was not exactly shall we say perfect!!!! But Mrs. T. the graceful lady she was didn’t mention it, and I was very thankful!!!! She always had a smile on her face, and I still use the Pie Crust Recipe she taught us in Home Ec. My thoughts and prayers aer with your family, know she is smiling down on all of us!!!
My prayers and thoughts are with the family. Mrs. Taylor was always a favorite of mine in high school. She always had the students needs in mind. She was always a teacher and one you could talk to.
She will be missed.
Kathy
Fairmount ND
We feel blest to have known this special lady, Hildy Taylor, whom we became friends with while attending lay ministry classes several years ago. We would pick up Hildy and another participant, Alice, and journey on to Tolna, ND
for group training sessions. Hildy and her bubbly personality was a joy to be around, and she always had some exciting and interesting life experiences to share! As we warmly remember her presence in our lives, we pray that our Lord will bless her family and friends with many precious memories that are everlasting. Heaven is surely welcoming home a spirit-filled person.
Park Rapids MN
Mrs. Taylor was my bachelor foods teacher at Shanley in 1975. I have never, ever forgot her. I only had her for that one class, but she was one of the best teachers I ever had. Patient, kind, funny — kind of like a second Mom.
My wife, Pat (Schneider) had her for more classes and Mrs. T comes up whenever we talk about our years at Shanley.
To Mrs. T’s family, our condolences. Thank you so much for ‘sharing’ Mrs. T. I consider myself very fortunate to have known her even for such a short time.
Fargo ND
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Taylor. I was a student of hers at Shanley in 1973-77. She was one of my favorite teachers. Some of my best memories were made in her sewing class. I learned so much from her that I have carried out my entire life. She was a wonderful teacher.
My very deepest sympathy goes out to your whole family.
Karene Kearns
Mrs. T has always held a special place in my heart! I think of her whenever I have been working on a sewing project…What a sweet woman!
Sorry for your loss but so glad you had her and shared her for so many years at Shanley! (My brother Neill was in her 1st Bachelor Foods class)
With Fond Memories,
Martie (Goltz) Stewart
Gillette WYDear Taylor Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Mrs. Taylor was my Home Ec and Sewing teacher at Shanley. She had a huge impact in my life. I love to sew, quilt and cook and am so thankful I had her as my teacher. She was my favorite!
Beth Collins Dutcher
Page ND
To the Taylor Family: Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your Mother. A donation has been sent to Hospice of the Red River Valley in her memory.
Robert & Mary Thompson
Fargo ND
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will be in contact when we get back in town.
Paul and Connie Abrahamson
Fargo ND
I feel so lucky to have gotten to know Hildie. I work at Villa Maria and she was always such a sweet and kind lady. I only knew her for a short 8 months, but in that time I got to see how great of a person she was. She will be missed at the Villa for sure! My condolences to her family and friends.
Breckenridge MnTo Hildy’s family..Sorry to hear about her passing, We had some good times at the Lake, She was a grand lady and will be missed, Wilma Papka
Fargo N.D
.Dear Family of Hildy,
Hildy was a delightful person to visit with. She was my Home Ec Teacher at Shanley, then I reconnected with her at Riverview, and then again at the Villa Maria. I will miss seeing her at the Villa as she really was a joy to be around…a very sweet, kind, lady! God Bless her!
Osage MN
Fred & all of Mrs. T’s family: I was sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. It seems no matter what the age or medical condition, it is always hard to lose a parent. She was a very good teacher and enjoyed having her as my teacher in Home Ec. at Shanley. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. God bless you all! Dee Olson
(Dee Dee Doyle)
Mrs. Taylor was in my youth a bright lamp of kindness. Her son Fred and I moved through Saint Anthony’s Elementary together and played together long hours. Mrs. Taylor would invite me to stay for supper so often that one time I caught Fred behind me trying to wave his mother off. Years later Fred and I caught sight of each other on West Silent Lake where my parents and Fred’s both had summer homes. Fred had me boat over with him, Mrs. Taylor true to form had me stay to dinner with Doc Taylor and other family members. A loving delightful home was her greatest pride (well except for her children). Rick Hilber