Hilda Manda McLeod passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the age of 86 years. Hilda Bangsund was born on the home farm in the hills south of Maxim, the youngest and only girl of six children. She lived with her mother on the farm until she married Murdock McLeod. The two lived in Maxim where they farmed and ran a store. They loved both homes in Maxim, but poor health forced them to move to Weyburn, living with Trina. After Murdock's passing, she continued to live with Trina until last year when she moved into the Radville Marian Health Center. Hilda was a very hard working person. She worked in the store, helped on the farm, cooked and cleaned, all while raising a family of six. While she lived the majority of her life with bad legs, despite the pain and the work waiting for her, it would never be known by her cheerful approach to life. Hilda had a non-judgmental love for all, always thinking of herself last. She made many friends, and maintained those friendships all of her life. She was a wonderful friend. Hilda was strong willed and independent - she could be very stubborn to put it mildly. When arthritis made it difficult to raise her arms or walk, her biggest worry was that she would not be able to do the work around the house, especially roll the lefse. Being stiff and sore the next day was well worth rolling the lefse, as any Norwegian would know. Hilda enjoyed needlework and playing cards. Her children have many gifts that were hand made. In fact, last Christmas she made each of them a rug. She enjoyed playing Whist and Cribbage. When she no longer left the house much, visitors might be asked to play Crib with her. Fearing that she was losing her mind, she skunked many players just to prove that she was not. But, she was hospitable to the end. When children would be part of a visit, they would naturally gravitate to Hilda. She would capture their attention so easily, and they warmed to her quickly. Small children, teenagers or adult visitors, she greeted all with respect, good advice and good humour. Her social network of friends and family were a treasured part of her life. Radville, her last chapter, brought joy to those around her. She will be greatly missed. Hilda has gone to join her loving husband, Murdock. She is survived by her sons, Rodney (Valorie) and Wayne (Carol) both of Maxim; daughters, Sherry (Guy) Fradette, of Maxim, Amber (Brad) Rodine, Tally (Jeff) Gaab, and Trina (Cary) Thompson, all of Weyburn; 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Margarette Bangsund, Josephine Bangsund, Doris McLeod, and Arlene McLeod; as well as many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Thursday, May 24 at 2:00 P.M. from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn with Pastor Martin Olson officiating. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Pallbearers were Gina Nordeen, Shane Fradette, Blake McLeod, Orrie Gaab, Blair Gaab, and Brodie Rodine. Donations in memory of Hilda may be made to a charity of donor's choice, or to the Radville and District Health Centre Foundation Inc. Box 310, Radville, SK. S0C 2G0. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn (306) 842-5432
