BETTY M. (CHAMPAIGNE) HILDEBRAND

Betty Marie Hildebrand Oct. 31, 1920 - June 10, 2014 SOUTH BEND - Betty Marie Hildebrand, 93, lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away at 1:45 am Tuesday, June 10, 2014, in Signature Healthcare. She was born October 31, 1920, in South Bend, to the late Fred and Marie (Frank) Champaigne.

On May 12, 1945, in South Bend, Betty married Jerry Hildebrand, who preceded her in death on March 21, 2003. She was also preceded by her son, Bruce Hildebrand in 2008; and her brothers, Fred and Jack Champaigne.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Jan (Jim) Bostic of Granger; daughter-in-law, Karen Hildebrand of New Port Richey, FL; granddaughter, Kristi Papczynski; and great-grandchildren, Max and Maddielynn Carmichael.

Betty graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1938, where she played the clarinet in the school band. She never missed a day of school from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and was jokingly referred to as "the wonder girl."

She then served her country honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon returning to South Bend, Betty worked as an assistant traffic manager at the South Bend Toy Company, and then became a secretary in the registrar's office at the University of Notre Dame, from which she retired in 1985 after eight years.

Betty was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she was active with the prayer chain, was a Sunday School teacher, and assisted with the Amazing Grace Bulletin. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women.

Funeral services for Betty will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 14, 2014, in Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend. Rev. David Schrader will officiate and military honors will be rendered. Interment will take place privately at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 - 7:00 pm Friday, June 13, 2014, in the Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, as well as one hour prior to services Saturday in church. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Betty may be donated to the American Cancer Society of North Central Indiana, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545; or Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be left for the Hildebrand family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 12, 2014.

01/28/2023 EJS