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Hildegard Voelker Obituary
Passed away February 15, 2011, at the age of 81 after her fifth battle with cancer. A survivor of tongue, throat, jaw and breast cancers, she never let it define her, but continued to love life and see beauty all around her.
Hildegard was born in Brooklyn, NY to German immigrant parents, Hans and Hilde Staiber. She grew up in a loving home in Queens, NY and was a graduate of Franklin K. Lane High School and the Traphagen School of Design in NYC. After graduating, she worked as a fashion illustrator for Arkwright, Inc., a catalog buying company in Manhattan.
She married Daniel Voelker, Sr. and moved with their children to Syosset, NY, where she raised her family and later cared for her ailing mother, all the while continuing to be an artist. In 2006, Hildegard and Daniel moved to Wilmington, DE to be closer to their daughter and her family. They became members of Concord Presbyterian Church. One of HIldegard's favorite places to be was Longwood Gardens where she loved to photograph and sketch the beautiful flowers and grounds.
While in Syosset she did freelance and personal artwork in various mediums including watercolor, sketches, portraiture and calligraphy. She donated much of her time and freely contributed her talent and skills to her church, Faith Lutheran, in Syosset, NY. Hildegard was artistic in all she did including cooking, baking, gardening, decorating and sewing.
Above all, Hildegard was kind to everyone she met and saw beauty in every person. As a result she leaves behind many who love her and will miss her.
Hildegard was predeceased by her son, Daniel Voelker, Jr. and is survived by her husband of 56 years, Daniel Voelker, Sr., her daughter and son-in-law, Christina and Matthew Pressley, two grandchildren, Teyton and Hobie, her half-brother, Rolf, and wife, Herma, in Germany, nieces, nephews, cousins and their families in Washington state and Germany.
Hildegard's family is grateful and appreciative of the care she received at Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Christiana Hospital and its Visiting Nurse program, especially Joan Dunay, and Delaware Hospice, especially the nurses and aides at The Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE. They are also eternally grateful to the Rev. Edee Fenimore and Bob Fenimore for their constant presence, love, care and friendship.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 19, at 11 am, at Concord Presbyterian Church, 1800 Fairfax Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Concord Youth Mission Trip and/or Concord Concert Series, Concord Presbyterian Church, 1800 Fairfax Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19803 (checks should be made out to Concord Church, memo: Youth Mission Trip or memo: Concord Concert Series), or Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810 (donations may also be made online at www.delawarehospice.org). For online condolences,
please visit
www.chandlerfuneralhome.com
302-478-7100
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hildegard Voelker
4 Entries
Robert Weber
March 3, 2011
I can't count the number of times I heard my mom and dad praising this kind and generous woman. Back at the time I was going to art school in the late 70's my mother introduced me to her at a church function at Faith Church in Syosset, NY. She was setting up scenery that she had created for one of my parents concerts. It was then clear why my parents always praised her talents and friendship. She spent some time with me that evening discussing school and what I liked to do creatively. Seemingly a small gesture but it did have an impact on me. God bless her and her family.
Rob Weber
Roslyn Weiss
March 3, 2011
I remember her as a kind, gentle lady who always had a ready smile. No matter what was her life circumstance, she was so gracious. I was in her son's confirmation class.
Herta Hoch
February 28, 2011
We send our deepest condolences to Daniel and his family. Herta with family, Fritz and Ida (Germany)
David Downs
February 18, 2011
Farewell to my childhood summertime friend and my deepest condolences to Dan and family. David and Judy Downs
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