Obituary of Patricia Lee Hill Hild

Patricia Lee Hill Hild, 87, of State College, died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at Centre Crest Nursing Home, Bellefonte. Born August 20, 1922, in Slippery Rock, she was a daughter of the late Paul E. and Jean Blyth Hill. Pat graduated from Slippery Rock High School and then attended Slippery Rock State Teachers College, where she met and married her husband, Donald R. Hild on Oct. 30, 1941.

Pat and Don moved to State College in 1957. She was actively involved almost all or her life with people, especially children. Pat's mother died when she was only 11, leaving three younger siblings. Pat's interest in working with children continued throughout her life. One of her main accomplishments was the opening of Rainbow School, where she was the head teacher for physically and mentally challenged infants and toddlers, mentored by Mary R. Adair, who was a special family friend.

After retiring from Rainbow School, she began working for The Learning Station, and finally retired from there in the late 1990's. Patricia was an over-50 year member of the State College Presbyterian Church where she was very active with the Deacons, particularly the visiting Deacons committee. Being an active member of the church was very important to her and she was very serene while sitting in the congregation and especially listening to the beautiful hymns.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, in Oct., 1988; her son, Timothy Hild in 1947; her brothers, James B. and Blyth Morrow Hill; and her sister, Ruth H. Fortunato.

She is survived by a son, James R. Hild, of Newtown; daughters Susan J. Gordon and John Andrews, of State College, and Kimberly A. Krause and her husband, Carl, of North Wales; three grandsons, Richard J. Gordon, of State College, Timothy J. Hild, his wife, Jamie and their sons, Declan Hild and Colin Hild, of Royersford; and Michael J. Hild of Trenton, N.J.; a great-granddaughter, Alexandra G. Sunday, of State College, who spent much time with her "Nana Pat"; Ray T. Fortunato, husband of Ruth; Patricia Hill wife of James Hill; and many loving nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand nephews.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Charles J. Curley officiating. Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Alzheimer's Association , 3544 N. Progress Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110, or the charity of your choice.