Ethel L. Hildebrand, 92, of Ledyard, passed away quietly at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, after a brief illness.
Ethel was born on Fishers Island, N.Y., on Feb. 22, 1922, to Wilton E. Maynard and Ella L. (Aldrich) Maynard. She attended Norwich Free Academy and on Sept. 10, 1941, married Thurman M. Hildebrand, her loving husband of 68 years, who predeceased her in 2010.
Although Ethel did not work outside the home, she spent many hours tending her vegetable garden as well as canning and preserving a variety of foods for her family. Ethel was an avid gardener and lover of flowers and spent many hours in her two greenhouses. In addition, she patiently created many handmade gifts and crafts. Considering others more important than herself, Ethel was known as a quiet woman who was always there to show unconditional love for her friends and family.
Ethel is survived by two sons, Thurman A. Hildebrand of Ledyard and Mark Hildebrand of Belmont, Vt.; her daughters-in-law, Kathleen and Marcia; as well as six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her middle son, Edward Ronald Hildebrand of Ledyard; three brothers, Walter, Clarence, and Franklin; and a sister, Edith.
Calling hours will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic, followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. at Avery Stoddard Cemetery in Ledyard.
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