Obituary of Hilda Haines

It is with sadness that the family of Hilda Geraldine Haines, age 98, announce her passing on September 18, 2024 at Hospice House in Fredericton, N.B. She was born January 10, 1926 in Saint John, N.B., daughter of the late James Arthur and Blanche (Thorne) Gillies.

Hilda is survived by her son, Stephen Scott (Sophie Theriault Scott), step-daughter, Rachel Haines, step-son,Troy, sister Joanne Taylor and her children Beth, David (Cheryl), Douglas (Mary Anne) and Barbara (Gregg) Feltham and their families, as well as many cousins of a large and closely knit family. Besides her parents and an infant sister, Shirley, Hilda was recently predeceased by her husband James Eldon Haines (in April of this year). She was also predeceased by her brother-in-law Dr. Cyril Taylor and by Stephen’s father, James Scott.
        

Hilda lived a long and active life. She grew up on Winter St. in Saint John where her father ran the Gillies Bakery through the depression years until the early 50’s. She has recounted many stories of sleeping as an infant in the bread racks where it was warm and then, after getting a little older, helping to deliver fresh bread in the nearby areas. Her father’s homestead on a farm in Belleisle Creek provided fond memories and a point of focus for the many family gatherings for a rapidly growing extended family. Other recollections were related to her mother's family residence in the nearby rural community of Mannhurst.
         

Hilda moved to Fredericton soon after her first marriage in 1949. She became involved in the community, taking pride in her employment in many clerical positions and finally settling on working in a federal government position with Employment and Immigration. 

Hilda married James Haines in 1996. Jim cared for her deeply and he introduced her to many adventurous activities and memories. Hilda was a very kind, generous person who volunteered at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for many years. She had her TV debut in an interview by CBC and was commended for her service which she continued until she was into her 90’s. That interview with Hilda can be found here: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/1.4037059. Hilda also contributed as a volunteer at the Fredericton Soup Kitchen. 

Hilda treasured the many friendships that she developed over the years and was cherished by her many friends. Hilda was much loved by all of her family and will forever be fondly remembered as being vibrant, fun-loving, humorous, and caring by all who held her dearest. Her stories, compassion, and laughter will live in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street in Fredericton, on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:00 pm. For those who wish, donations in Hilda's memory may be made to Hospice Fredericton or the SPCA.

To view a home video of Hilda discussing one of her paintings please go to the following link: https://vimeo.com/1012489405

TEN RULES TO LIVE BY

1.  Be kind, friendly with all people you come in contact with.

2. Smile, have a sense of humor, be a fun person. Everyone likes a person they can relax with.

3. Help by giving of your time. Volunteer at the hospital,  do an errand for a shut-in, baby-sit, etc.

4. Don't judge a person.  You may not know the other side of the story.

5  Good friends are hard to find.  Be caring, trusting, loyal and treat them the same way you want

     to be treated and you will have lots of friends.

6. Don't brag or put a person down.

7. Be an honest trustworthy person and you will be relied upon.

8. Never betray a trust.

9. Love your child or children like no other.  They are your greatest possession.

10. Watch for a chance to help someone in need.