HILDE BARTHOL

HILDE BARTHOL (nee Samide), age 87, of Parma Heights. Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Loving mother of Monica Pivato, Ingrid Rondin, Britta (John Stanard), Frederick (deceased) and Christopher; dearest grandmother of Michael (Krista), Erica, Joseph (Chelsea), Bentley, Griffin, Abriana and Benjamin; great-grandmother of Anton, Erminia and Isabella; sister of Emma Eppich (Helmut) (both deceased), Trudi Udovich (Jim), Joseph Samide (deceased) (Sandy); loving aunt, great aunt and dear friend of many. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Church, 7367 York Rd., Parma, Monday, December 22, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. Please meet at church. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.) SUNDAY 2-5 P.M.

Born on June 7, 1938, in Gottschee (modern-day Slovenia), Hilde was the second child of Josef and Karoline. Her early life was marked by tremendous resilience. At the end of World War II, Hilde and her family were forced to leave their home and all their belongings, carrying only what they could manage on foot as they traveled to safety in Austria. At just seven years old, she walked alongside her parents and siblings into a new and uncertain world.

In Austria, the family rebuilt their lives, and Hilde completed her schooling, graduating high school at the age of fourteen. In 1952, the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Cleveland. Hilde quickly learned the English language, excelled in school, and made many lifelong friends. She graduated with honors from John Adams High School in 1956 after studying typing and shorthand—skills she would carry proudly into her early career.

Hilde married Arnold Barthol in 1959 and together they had five children. She became a United States citizen in 1962, a milestone she cherished deeply. After raising her five children, Hilde returned to the workforce and built a long, respected career as an office manager at Eppco Metals, remaining there until retiring at the age of 77. Her dedication, strong work ethic, and steady presence were appreciated by all who worked with her.

Hilde was deeply proud of her German heritage. She was a longtime member of both the Gottscheer Club of Cleveland and German Central, where she connected with friends, celebrated traditions, and enjoyed countless cultural events. Anyone who knew Hilde knows how much she loved to dance. Following Saturday evening Mass, she could often be found dancing at German Central—whether it was a polka, jitterbug, line dance, or what she called “fast dancing.”

She had many hobbies that brought her joy, including knitting, crocheting, gardening, and especially holiday baking. But above all else, Hilde was a people-person making friends everywhere she went. She valued her relationships and always emphasized the importance of maintaining close friendships. She also shared a special bond with her siblings, Emma, Trudy and Joe, spending many cherished trips traveling together to Canada, Slovenia and Austria to visit relatives and keep family roots alive.

Hilde’s life was also shaped by profound loss, including the death of her parents at a young age, the passing of her siblings Emma and Joe, and the heartbreaking loss of her beloved son, Fred, at the age of 37. Through all these hardships, her faith remained unshakable. A devoted Catholic, Hilde was a faithful member of Holy Family Church since 1971.

Hilde was the beloved mother. She was a treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews and a devoted friend to countless people whose lives she touched with warmth, generosity, and sincerity.

Hilde will be remembered for her strength, kindness, resilience, love of tradition, and deep dedication to family and faith. Her legacy lives on in the lives of all who knew and loved her.