Hilda Maude Hatch

HATCH, Hilda Maude (nee Land) Born 20th July, 1915 in Victoria, B. C., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family 13th June, 2014 in her 99th year. Maude was predeceased by Gordon, her beloved husband of 67 years in 2007, her brother Norman Land, her brother-in-law Ernest Hatch, her sister-in-law Phyllis Hatch, and her nephew Ron Hatch. She is survived by her five children, Wilf (Patricia), Gordon (Regina), Brenda (Karel), Marty (Sue), and Nancy (Andy), 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Robin Walkinshaw, and many dear nieces and nephews. Maude was raised in Victoria and lived there most of her life, with the exception of her early childhood when her father's work took the family to Ottawa, Edmonton, Czar, and Provost, Alberta. In 1940 Maude married Gordon W. Hatch and together they raised five children. Maude travelled across Canada with Gordon during his service in the RCAF from 1942 to 1945, and then lived in Victoria for the rest of her life. Maude's first love was always her husband and family. She worked hard for them, and mastered all the domestic arts. Before her marriage, Maude worked at The Cake Shop on Oak Bay Ave. There she learned the fine art of pastry baking, and from that time on was always known for her exceptional baking skills, in particular her lemon meringue pie! Her grandfather and mother had been tailors, and Maude was an impeccable seamstress, needle woman, and knitter. She sewed, knitted, and embroidered for all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and for friends and those less fortunate. In later years, she volunteered at the Garth Homer Society and Silver Threads, and shared her baking every month with the Cool-Aid Society. At Christmas she liked to bake fancy treats for the Mustard Seed. A long time member and supporter of Centennial United Church, Maude served in many different capacities over the years, including, along with her husband Gordon, hosting the church's annual Trolley Tea at their home for over twenty-five years. Maude enjoyed listening to and playing music, going to concerts and the theatre, travelling, taking photographs, gardening, playing card and word games, entertaining friends, going for drives and to the seashore, and going out for afternoon tea. She loved chocolate, cats, and pansies! But above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family. Maude always put the needs of her husband and family before her own. She was kind, patient, and generous, with a delightful sense of humour: a multi-talented unique woman who excelled in so many things, and was always there to love and support those about whom she cared so very much. She was very deeply loved and is greatly missed. Our thanks to Dr. Geoffrey Luckhurst for his wonderful care and unfailing support, and to the caring staff at Sunset Lodge. A celebration of Maude's life will be held at Centennial United Church, 649 Gorge Rd. East, Saturday 30th August at 2:00 p.m.