Obituary of Alida W. Hilke

Alida W. Hilke, age 72, of Warren Township passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Born and raised in Endicott, NY, Alida spent most of her early life in upstate New York. She moved to FL where she studied English at the University of Florida and graduated a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. After graduating from college, she worked as an editor before moving back north to New Jersey with her husband John. Alida was a well-read and well-educated woman who received much fulfillment from her many hobbies and skills. She was a talented knitter and created beautiful blankets for her children, grandchildren, and friends. Alida loved gardening and adorned her deck with planters filled with colorful flowers, plants, and vines. She enjoyed photography and artfully captured both big events and day to day happenings with her camera. Her many albums of her children and grandchildren, lovingly labeled with her handwritten captions, will be treasured by her family. Alida was passionate about Greek Mythology and her expansive doll collection. She valued a handwritten letter and a personal phone call over email, appreciated a properly set dining room table, and was proud of her annual holiday centerpieces. Alida gained peace through meditation and prayer and saw immense beauty in the simple things. To Alida, her most important and fulfilling job was being a mother to her three sons, whom she raised to be successful, generous and kind. She was happiest caring for a child or counseling a troubled friend. Alida was always available with a listening ear and a supportive shoulder for the people who needed her. She was a proud advocate of the special needs community. Predeceased by her beloved father, Edwin Wattles, and her dear Aunt Peg, it gives her family some peace to know that she is reunited with them in Heaven. Alida is survived by John Herman, her devoted husband of nearly 50 years, her sons John Edwin, Theodore Herman and William Thomas and her daughters in-law Michelle, Jennifer and Jessica. Alida is survived by her four grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Abigail and Lucy and her two brothers Thomas and Stuart. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 5, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Christian memorial service and entombment at Somerset Hills Memorial Park will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Special Olympics of Somerset County, P.O. Box 851, Somerville, NJ 08876.