Hilda Agusta (Nelson) O’Brien

Hilda Agusta (Nelson) O’Brien Aug. 31, 1911 May 31, 2010 HILDA AGUSTA NELSON O’BRIEN loving wife and mother passed away peacefully with her daughter Lauralee at her side at Marion Estates Nursing Home in Sublimity, Oregon on Tuesday, May 31st. 2010. Hilda was born August 31, 1911 in Hoffland, North Dakota to parents Peter and Betsy Nelson. She was the second child of six children. Her parents owned a 160 acre ranch and raised vegetables and livestock. In 1926 Hilda’s family moved to Eureka, Montana where she met her husband to be, Patrick Henry O’Brien. They were married January 6th 1931. In 1932 Pat and Hilda moved to Colville, WA where their first daughter Virgillia was born. In 1934 their second daughter Lois was born in Kalispell, Montana. In 1935 Pat and Hilda moved south into Oregon and lived in Gresham, OR until 1939 and then moved their family to Portland in 1940 where their third child Lauralee was born. The 30’s and 40’s were hard years for the couple. Pat took work anywhere he could. Hilda was a true home maker though and made her girls all their clothes from scraps of material at times and managed to prepare meals from the vegetable gardens she would grow and the meat Pat would bring home from fishing trips or hunting game. She canned fruits and vegetables and meat, but her homemade breads and pies were known from family to friends, especially the old fashion butterscotch pie. Pat’s job’s transferred the family from town to town and however small or poor the conditions of a rental or house they had to choose from, Hilda turned it into a comfortable, warm, clean home for her family. She made the best of the worse without complaint. She showed much pride in what she accomplished with so little resources. In 1949 the family moved to the foothills of the Cascade Range and the small town of Idanah. February 13th Pamela Dee O’Brien was born to Pat and Hilda. With the older two girls gone Pat and HIlda moved on as construction jobs began to open for Pat. Detroit, Tillamook, Waldport, Mill City, Oakridge, Willamette City, Springfield, Sweet Home, Longview, WA. were just a few more cities Hilda made her home in. Her daughters had families of their own now and for 11 years Hilda and her husband made Medford their home and there was nothing more gratifying than having family at her side. Hilda loved family get togethers with plenty of music. She played the piano and organ. She came from a very talented family. Then there were many trips Pat and Hilda took as she loved traveling. piano and organ. She came from a very talented family. Then there were many trips Pat and Hilda took as she loved traveling. In 1979 when Hilda’s husband passed away she moved up to Gates, OR in 1980and lived on her own for eighteen years. She joined the Quilter’s in Gates, stayed active with her church, crocheted, embroider, made pillow tops, and sewed all her clothes and of course Hilda was always with her girls going on excursions and having fun with her daughters. Her daughter’s were her life as well as their families. As stated by her daughter Pam. “One gathering we were all singing and I was playing the organ. When we finished mom says in a heartfelt cry and a tear in her eye, “I’m so proud of my girls”. Time past and as her needs became clear, Hilda moved in with her daughter Lauralee in 1998. She continued to be active until 2004 where it was evident her mental health deteriorated. She was 93. Hilda became a resident of the Marion Estates Nursing Home in Sublimity, OR. She continued to be active by enjoying music sessions and for a few more years danced with the recreation director, made cookies, enjoyed Sunday worship service, and short visits to family activities. The halls on a weekly basis was filled with the tune of Hilda’s singing. On her daughter’s visits music was the main attraction to her and they would always sing together. Hilda’s daughters kept their promise to her. She would never have to worry about being alone. They continued their vigil to her last breath when the Lord took her by the hand and said it is finished. Hilda knew where she was going. She was a Christian who was so faithful to her Lord from the time she was 60 years old. She was a loving wife, mother and friend to all, a caring, gentle, soft spoken women who lived by golden rules and morals. She was plain but had stature of spirit and grace and pride. She gave her family the gift of loving one another and caring for each other through thick and thin. Hilda is preceded in death by her husband Patrick Henry O’Brien, her mother and father Peter and Betsy (Moline) Nelson, sister Florence Muir, brother’s George Nelson and Norman Nelson. She is survived by her daughters Virgillia Hueners of Medford, OR, Lois Budlong of Mill City,OR, Lauralee Jackson of Salem, OR and Pam Doan of Lebanon, OR. Grandchildren: Lisa Muszynsky of Finland, Mathew Hirte of Los Angeles, CA, Andrea Hirte of Gates, OR, John Hirte of Salem, OR, Randy Budlong of Lyons, OR, Patrick Budlong of Scio, OR, Debbie Adair of Springfield, OR and Mark Hueners of Medford, OR. Hilda has 11 great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren.