Hildegard Lange

Hildegard Lange, 95

April 26, 1923 – December 22, 2018

Hildegard Lange passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends at Mary Immaculate Nursing Center in Lawrence. Born in Germany, Hildy was a World War II survivor in which she lost most of her family. She was educated in convent schools and her faith became a guiding light in dealing with the devastation she experienced during the war. The loss of her family gave her determination to forge ahead and form a life for herself on her own. Hildy emigrated from Germany to Canada where she was employed as a nanny. She adored children. In Canada, she met and within two weeks of knowing him, was engaged to her beloved husband, Werner. The wedding was simple and they celebrated with a casual dinner with their witnesses after the ceremony. The rest of Hildy’s life remained the same; simple, purposeful, intentional, meaningful and full of love for life and the faith she relied on. When they moved to Andover, She took a job at Tyer Rubber Company, without Werner knowing. She wanted to contribute to their life and loved being with people. Work was one example of that. She retired from Gillette as a line supervisor, earning the trust, support and respect of her colleagues. Not having had any children of her own, she gave her heart and soul to children in need with her beautifully hand knit blankets and hats. She also volunteered at St. Augustine Parish as a hospitality minister, where she met her soon-to-be adopted American family, The Giangrande’s of Andover. Hildy helped to raise and became a significant figure in the lives of Kristina, Liza, Peter and Jason along with their parents, Karen and David. Hildy’s love, presence, faith, joy and fun-filled outings created lasting memories for all the Giangrande’s, their extended family and many of their friends and neighbors. Hildy’s nephew, Hans, and his family, were an integral part of Hildy’s life. Hans lives in Germany with his family and he searched for and found Hildy in the United States years after she had left Germany. Ironically, he was here with Hildy in Andover when Werner passed away. He and his family remained steadfast, loving members of Hildy’s heart and life. She visited them annually in her homeland for many years. St. Augustine Church, the community and parish priests particularly Father Peter Gori, OSA meant the world to Hildy and were a beacon in her life. Hildy touched more lives than any of us could ever know. Her courage, perseverance, love, thoughtfulness for others, along with her light, joy and faith will be an inspiration for us all for many years to come.

Family and friends are invited to an hour of visitation from 9am to 10am on Saturday January 5, 2019 at St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St., Andover, MA. A Funeral Mass will follow the visitation at 10:00am on Saturday at the church. Hildy’s family would like to thank her friends and the staff at MI Nursing Center for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to MI Nursing Center, 172 Lawrence St., Lawrence, MA 01844.  Arrangements are by the Dewhirst & Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen.  To leave an online condolence, please go to Hildy’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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