Hilda Regier

1934 - 2026

May 1, 1934 - Feb 15, 2026

Hilda Mae Regier passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of Feb. 15, 2026, at Kidron Bethel Healthcare, where she had resided for the last three and a half years. Hilda was born May 1, 1934, in Goessel, KS to Theodore and Anna Voth Regier. She was given her middle name to mark that she'd been born on the first of May. Hilda attended school in Walton, KS. After graduating from high school, she pursued studies at Bethel College in North Newton, earning a BA. She then attended Iowa State University, earning her MA degree in journalism, continuing those studies toward earning a PhD. At the end of her first semester of PhD studies, she was advised to go to NYC to gain practical experience. Once there, she fell in love with the city where she spent most of her remaining life. Choosing initially to work in the trade press, she eventually wrote for medical journals and later as a freelance journalist.

In 1973, Hilda, as president of the Council of Chelsea Block Associations, led community opposition against the US Postal Service's proposed $35-millions, 15-story mail truck garage in Chelsea, citing environmental and quality-of-life concerns. She and residents sought to block the project. As a leader in the Council, she was pivotal in bringing together residents to fight the federal project.

In 1977 Hilda purchased an 1847 brownstone in the Chelsea District of Manhattan. She painstakingly restored the Victorian details of the main floor apartment which became her home. She was a strong force for historic preservation in the city.

Hilda was a founding member of the Chelsea Community Church, giving countless hours to write and distribute the church newsletter and organizing various pastors and guest speakers to preach to the congregation for many years. Hilda was an active member of the Victorian Society of New York City, organizing tours for them and serving on their board for many years and as president from 2014 to 2017.

Hilda loved the garden she created behind her brownstone. The sapling white dogwood she planted is now majestic. She delighted in spring bulbs as they appeared and the red rose that would bloom beside her front stoop. It was, and remains, a soothing green oasis away from the noise and hubbub of the city.

Family was important to Hilda, and she returned to KS for visits whenever she was able. She took great delight in her nephews. As various grandnephews and grandnieces appeared she was always keen to know what they were doing.

Hilda is predeceased by Elma Ruth Harms and Marvin Regier. She leaves behind sister-in-law, Grace Nickel Regier; nephew, Wayne Harms and Barbara; nephew, Larry Harms and Mary; niece, Sherry Unruh and Bill Unruh; and niece, Vickie Schmidt and Emil Schmidt.

Petersen Funeral Home arranged the service at Kidron on February 23, 2026 at 3 p.m. and a private burial at Tabor Mennonite Church, Newton, KS on February 23, 2026. Donations and remembrances may be offered to Chelsea Community Church. In Manhattan, NY.