Helen Jeannine Hildebrand

Helen Jeannine Hildebrand (Jeannine to all who knew her well), supportive and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on January 10, 2026.

Jeannine was born on November 8, 1928 in San Antonio, TX to Ada Clarice and John Phillips. Upon graduation from high school, Jeannine first attended Trinity University, and then went on to attend North Texas State college where she met her precious John.

John and Jeannine were married on September 9, 1950. In the following year they gave birth to daughter Sherrie, John completed his masters degree, and the Hildebrands moved to Austin, TX. Their son, Alan, was born in 1954, and daughter Gayla came along in 1956.

Once Gayla started first grade, Jeannine attended the University of Texas where she earned her B.S. in Education, and she began teaching in AISD in the fall of 1964. Jeannine taught at Gullett Elementary School, the Lucy Read Sixth Grade Center, and Doss Elementary School. Beyond her own career, she and John definitely passed on their 'education genes' to their three children!

Upon retirement, Jeannine spent her time volunteering at Seton Northwest Hospital, traveling with John's siblings and their spouses, and visiting with her sister Dorothy Mae and her husband Stuart Good.

Jeanine loved to host family gatherings, where she often made a mean potato salad and cheeseball. In addition to her family, some of her favorite things included Häagen-Dazs ice cream, jigsaw puzzles, lavender, red nails, and knockout roses. Her love of family, her positive energy, and her sense of contentment were undeniable.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Hanan, Deborah, Kristy, and Louella for the care and support you provided Jeannine over the last several years. To Reza, thank you for your love and maintaining the beauty of John and Jeannine's green spaces. And to our Austin Angel, Cathy, and her family – thank you for your dedication and devotion to our mom for nearly two decades. You have been an irreplaceable part of her life, and will always be part of our family.

Jeannine is survived by daughter Sherrie Matula and husband Mike of Houston, TX; son Alan Hildebrand and wife Sue of Georgetown, TX; and daughter Gayla Thomson and husband Randy of Austin, TX. Jeannine is also survived by her grandchildren: Melody Presswood, Michele Hayes, Brackston Hildebrand, Erin Boyd, Lauren Thomson, and Hayley Thomson; as well as ten great-grandchildren.

A private family gathering in celebration of Jeannine's life will be held at a later date.