Obituary: Hildegard Borrmann, Hood River

Hildegard Borrmann, a Hood River, Oregon resident, passed away peacefully at Providence Brookside Manor on December 27, 2022, at the age of 90. She was born February 16, 1932, in Zezulin, Poland, to Wilhelm and Wanda (Batke) Hoeft, the second of three children.

During WWII, she lost her father and the remaining family was forced to flee their home, landing in Peine, Germany, in 1946. It was in Peine that she met her husband, Horst Paul Borrmann. They were married in 1954.

Horst and Hilde immigrated to New York City in 1955 where their three children were born. They lived in New York until Horst’s retirement, relocating to Hood River in 1993. Horst and Hilde were part of a large German Baptist community while in New York. They joined the First Baptist Church of Hood River shortly after moving to the area.

Hilde will be remembered most for her faith in God and dedication to her church and family. She happily baked her famous “Zuckerkuchen” for church events and took great pride in cooking from scratch. She loved baked goods and desserts although denied having a sweet tooth.

Hilde shunned waste and extravagance of any kind, preferring simple pleasures and frugality. She was a champion at money management. This trait allowed Horst and Hilde to retire comfortably and share their wealth with various charities and Christian ministries. 

Hilde was predeceased by her husband Horst. She is survived by her daughter Dagmar (Paul) Rockstroh, sons Bernhard (Tina) and Ralph, grandchildren Erika Rockstroh, Sarah Borrmann, and Bharati Borrmann, and great-grandchildren Rowan and Finn Williamson. Also, surviving is her sister Ruth Pastore and companion John Delepine, as well as many extended family members throughout the U.S., Canada, and Germany.