Obituary of Frances Bernadette Hilkemeyer
Family and friends of Frances Hilkemeyer, 76, of Tucson, Arizona gained a new angel to watch over them when her four-year struggle with Alzheimer’s ended on June 23.
Francie was a miracle-worker whose can-do attitude made her a renaissance woman of many skills and talents including - architecture, interior design, landscaping and construction, entrepreneurship, cooking and baking, fashion, drawing, painting and poetry, volunteer leadership, counseling, animal husbandry, and much more. She was always eager to provide what anyone needed - especially food - including a huge Christmas spread with her famous sugar cookies, candies, chicken tacos and tamales.
Married for 56 adventurous years to her first-grade friend, James (Jim) Hilkemeyer, she was an incredible mother to her children: Heidi Kirkland (Doug), Kristin Linne (Pat), Erich Hilkemeyer (Katie), and Gerhard Hilkemeyer (Tina). One of her greatest joys was being with her ten grandkids: Tyler, Kelsea, Paige, Trainor, Colin, Liesel, Austin, Allison, Hayden and Gretchen, who called her G’ma.
Francie’s strong faith and remarkable intellect endowed those close to her with spiritual wisdom to last generations. Her incredible smile, joyful attitude, self-less generosity and creative energy inspired every person she knew. Her family and friends, who will miss her greatly, are comforted that Francie is Francie again. Mom, G’ma, Francie – Peace be with you!
The family of Francie Hilkemeyer is planning a Celebration of Her Life in Tucson on Saturday January 2, 2021. In order to have a safe gathering during this uncertain time, we are managing attendance carefully.
If you are interested in attending, please let them know by providing the family with your name and email on the Request for Invitation Form,
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf99ddc4LQbDkiNrITzr_ZfdT8X_HUvtmb44MVxCCKfWKT7tA/viewform
(Or by clicking the link to the left of this obituary REQUEST FOR INVITATION TO MEMORIAL)
and they will include you in the electronic invitation with full details coming soon. Once you receive the invitation, you will be able to personally RSVP.
Thank you for understanding the motive of safety in this extra planning step.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Tucson Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Francie’s Fans,) https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2020/General?team_id=631933&pg=team&fr_id=13274 or the Salpointe Catholic Scholarship Fund in memory of Francie. Arrangements are being handled by Bring’s Broadway Chapel.
