Obituary of Hildegarde Ann Jabs

February 28, 1946 – June 22, 2018

We are saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Hildegarde Jabs at the age of 72.  Hildegarde was a wonderful, devoted and caring wife, a compassionate and thoughtful mom, and a gentle and loving grandma.  She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Siegfried (Sig), three children; Jason (Terri), Jesse, and Jennifer (Alberto) and three grandchildren; Ethan, Lauren and Trae.  Hildegarde was predeceased by her parents John and Helena Dyck.

Hildegarde was born and raised in Pincher Creek where she grew up with 2 sisters (Trudy and Martha) and 2 brothers (Ken and Albert) on a dairy farm.  She attended school in Pincher Creek and completed high school and bible school in Coaldale.  Hildegarde completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at the University of Lethbridge and taught elementary school for several years in Vauxhall. In 1968, Hildegarde met Siegfried Jabs, and they were married on July 12, 1969. Sig and Hildegarde lived in Taber and later moved to Enchant. In 1973, the couple moved to Hanna for Sig to become principal of the Hanna High School and Hildegarde worked as a librarian and as a substitute teacher.  In the fall of 1976, Sig and Hildegarde moved to their acreage north of Hanna where they raised their children and became a part of the Scapa and Hanna community.  

Hildegarde was a dedicated and active member of the Hanna Redeemer Lutheran Church where she was a church musician for 45 years. She also filled a number of leadership roles within the congregation and the church women’s group.  She loved rural life and enjoyed gardening, baking bread and cookies, taking walks and looking after her family. 

Hildegarde’s funeral will be held at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hanna on July 6, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.  Family, neighbours, and friends are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hanna Redeemer Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Box 746, Hanna, AB, T0J 1P0.