Hilda Mary (Lundie) Anderson

Hilda Mary Anderson

January 7, 1930 – April 19, 2024

Hilda Mary Anderson, born January 7, 1930, in Brochet, Manitoba, to John and Angelique Lundie, passed away peacefully with family by her side at McGillivary Care Home on April 19, 2024.  She was 94 years old.

The eldest of the six siblings, Hilda stepped into a nurturing role after the early loss of their mother, as well as assisting her father on the trap line.  Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Hilda tended to the trap line alone at just 14 when her father fell ill.  Checking the trap line was a long day’s work; when she returned home much later than she was expected, her father asked her what had happened to make her so late.  Hilda explained that the traps were all empty, but she had a caribou on the sleigh that their dogs had taken down.  Pulling the loaded sleigh had slowed her down, but she knew how important the caribou was to the family’s food supply.

Hilda’s father remarried Albertine Marie Azure, with the family unit whole again Hilda was able to move to Winnipeg in 1948.  She did not go on this adventure alone, but with her best friend Jenny.  Hilda often talked about her time in Winnipeg; how every Sunday they would walk and find a new church to attend.  The two of them enjoyed learning about different religions and especially loved the music.  Hilda’s love of music never faded, nor did her memories of the time she and Jenny spent in the city together.  Hilda often said it was one of her favourite memories; her and Jenny remained close for the rest of their lives.

After two years Hilda felt the pull of Northern Manitoba and she returned home to Wabowden.  A chance encounter at a train station led Hilda to meet Kenneth Anderson, the young man who helped her find her father’s place when he couldn’t meet her.  Hilda often told the story of their meeting as if it were only yesterday: how everyone that got off the train met their loved ones and went on their way leaving her as the last one at the station.  How a young man was sitting there on the wall, swinging his legs, noticed there was no one there to meet her.  The young man hopped down and asked, “Is there no one coming to meet you?  Where are you going?”  Hilda explained she was there to visit her father, the Game Warden, but he was at work and unable to meet her.  She did not know where he lived.  Since everyone in town knew the Game Warden, the young man picked up her bag and waked her to her father’s place.  The following year, Hilda married Kenneth.

Together, Hilda and Ken had seven children.  As a young mother, Hilda taught the children in the rail camp where they lived with their two oldest girls, while Ken worked on the rail gang.  In 1968 the Anderson family settled in Snow Lake, where they spent 49 cherished years.  Hilda and Ken’s door was always open to family and friends, and they were happy to see everyone and to welcome them into enjoy their little piece of heaven.  Hilda and Ken’s home was in a beautiful location overlooking the lake; many thought of it as the best spot in town, and they loved living there.  Hilda often commented there was nothing better than listening to the loons calling across the bay in the evening, and as they were falling asleep.  She said that their home always had beautiful music as the sound echoed over the water.  On July 1, 2016, the location was officially named Anderson Point, although locals had been calling it that for decades.

During this time the Lundie family continued to grow as well, with Hilda becoming the oldest of twelve siblings.

In 2017, Hilda and Ken moved to The Pas to live with their daughter Violet and her husband Glen at their home in the Carrot River Valley.  Both Ken and Hilda enjoyed their time at the farm, once again being part of a busy household, with everyone bustling around them.  In 2021, they moved into the Rod McGillivary Memorial Care Home to be closer to medical support.

Hilda was predeceased by her loving husband of 72 years, Kenneth R. Anderson, son Ralph and daughter-in-law Monica, daughter Linda, and son-in-law Glen.  She leaves behind her children Agnes, Darlene (Tharas), Violet, Kenny, and Grant (Barb), as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Hilda’s 94 years were filled with remarkable experiences and countless stories, each illustrating her strength and leaving an indelible mark on those who knew her.  She will be lovingly remembered as an amazing, strong woman who lived an extraordinary life and shared her kindheartedness - our family’s matriarch, whom we called Mommy and Nanny.

In keeping with Hilda's wishes cremation will take place and a private family service will be held at a later date. in lieu of flowers donations to the Rod McGillivary Memorial Care Home, 56 Kiche Maskanow Box 10790 Opaskwayak, MB R0B 2J0 would be appreciated by Hildas Family.