Hildegard GRANT Obituary

Very sad to hear of Hildegard's passing. We have shared some excellent memories in the establishment of Early Start and our visit to the team in Hawaii. Do you remember our time in one of the islands when we watched the whales together all four of us plus Karen. Take care Allan our thoughts are with you.

Our love and prayers for Hildegard´s family, especially our friend Allan.
May Hildegard rest in peace, and be held in God´s love.
Peg Riley and David Lewis

Dear Allan and family, Joachim and family and to Martyn, Anne, Brent and families.

It is with sadness we hear of Hildegard's passing. We have memories going back to the 60's when they visited Auntie Jennie in Cape Town ... also they travelled in a little mini minor all the way to Omaruru in the then South West Africa ...now Namibia.
Then much more recently your visit to South Africa .... and then on to Etosha Pan in Namibia. So glad you could enjoy that together ... and probably have some fond memories and stories as well.

We will hold you all in our prayers ... at this difficult time ... and also as you celebrate her life at a memorial service.
God Bless.
Kevin and the Sheel family
South Africa

Dear Allan, Joachim, Martyn, Anne & Brent

Our hearts, love & prayers are with you all and your families.
Such a surreal and difficult time - life changed so suddenly, but how precious that you were all with Hildegard, holding her close,
able to say goodbye.
So many wonderful memories over many years in SA -
Hildegard will forever be in our hearts and part of our family here.
Jeannette & Clive & family

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, the children, the grandchildren, but also to the friends and many colleagues of recent years. I will remember Hildegard as a great leader and teacher (early start project) and a wonderful person.
I am far away in Berlin and am deeply saddened by this sad news!
Sophie from Berlin

Hildegard and I were colleagues for a number of years in the delivery of Early Start/Family Start. She was at all times elegant, articulate and determined as we battled the logistics of working with the most vulnerable in society, new baby and family. We were a team, and her contribution was hugely important. My love to you all. Nicola Taylor, former Director, Anglican Family Care Centre, Dunedin.

Allan and family,

My heart is broken for you. Hildegard was not only a colleague to me but a treasured friend and a profound support in my life and leadership. During those years, as I led Pillars and Hildegard led Early Start, we often met for lunch, quiet leadership debriefs where we could speak honestly, carry the weight together, and encourage one another. Those times were sacred to me and remain deeply precious.

Hildegard led with courage, integrity, and a fierce love for families and children. She was kind without pretence, truthful without compromise and never concerned with appearances or being politically correct, only with doing what was right for families and children. She loved Jesus deeply and it showed in how she lived and led.

She was one of my earthly heroes and a very special person in my life. I loved her dearly. The impact of her life will continue to ripple through generations and those of us who walked alongside her are better for it.

The world feels poorer without her, yet Heaven has gained a remarkable soul. I hold you all in my prayers and send my deepest love.

Go well, dear Hildegard. Until we meet again.

With love and blessings,
Verna McFelin, former CEO Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou

Allan and family
Very sad to read of Hildegard's passing.
Her love, passion, dedication, faith, hope and Trust underpinned the success of her belief in creating safer and stronger homes for our very vulnerable wee people and their families. She made this happen! She stuck to her guns! The Early Start Project, is proof.
Now resting with her beloved Mutti.
Thoughts are with you as you navigate all the tomorrows.

Steph ( Family Help Trust)
1996- 2001

Lots of memories of shopping trips and sharing work stories... Hildegard became the sister I always wanted. Rest peacefully. All is well....