Hildegard Edwards

In Loving Memory of Hildegard “Hilda” Edwards  

Hilda Edwards, lovingly known to all as “Oma,” went home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2025, at the age of 100. She passed peacefully in Brooksville, Florida, surrounded by the love of her family.  

Born on August 13, 1925, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Hilda grew up with a strong spirit and a caring heart that guided her through life. She shared 68 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Paul I. Edwards, Sr., who has been waiting for her in Heaven.  

Hilda was the proud mother of four children: Paul Jr. (deceased), Linda, Gary Sr., and Ellen. She poured her heart into raising her family, and her greatest joy was always being “Oma” to her grandchildren and “Oma Oma” to her great-grandchildren.  

She is lovingly remembered by her nine grandchildren: Jennifer, Karen, Kathy, Jaime, John David, Gary Jr., Larry Jr., Geoffrey, and Michael and her eighteen great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish her hugs, her gentle wisdom and her unshakable love.  

In her younger years, Hilda worked as a switchboard operator in the 1940s, a job she spoke of with pride. Later, she devoted her time to helping children in the Hillsborough County schools as both a cafeteria worker and a teacher assistant. No matter where she was, Hilda had a gift for making people feel cared for.   

Hilda had 2 great loves, dogs and the beach. She enjoyed the sound of the waves, and especially dolphins. Her German heritage was a source of pride, and carried her roots with her in everything she did. Most of all, Hilda will be remembered for her warmth, her strength, and her unwavering devotion to her family. She taught by example what it means to love selflessly and to live with grace.  

Family and friends will gather to honor her life at Downing Funeral Home in Spring Hill, Florida, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, with visitation at 2:30 p.m. and a service at 3:30 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Runaways Animal Rescue (www.runawaysanimalrescue.org), an organization close to her heart.  

Her presence in our lives was a blessing, and her memory will forever be a light to all who loved her.