Hildegard "Hilda" Giuffre, 95, of Freeport, IL, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL.

Born January. 7, 1929, in Passau, Germany, she was the youngest daughter of Adolf and Ana (Konstandt) Maier. In 1958, she immigrated to the United States and married James "Jim" V. Giuffre in Freeport. For over 25 years, she was a hardworking, valued employee at Newell.

Hilda admirably approached life with strength, humor, and style. Helpful and generous, she truly exemplified Mark 12:31, "love thy neighbor as thyself." She often volunteered by feeding and visiting with residents at St. Joseph's Home for the Aged, and she belonged to St. Mary's Church. Friends and relatives fondly remember her delicious baking, exceptional dancing, enthralling stories, and beautiful smile. Known as "everyone's favorite," she enjoyed a long, active retirement highlighted by her beloved grandchildren.

Hilda is survived by her four children, Wesley Cain of Sun City, AZ, Charles Giuffre of Rockford, Kathleen Balster of DeKalb, and John (Karla) Giuffre of Freeport; seven grandchildren, Alana Cain of Big Sur, CA, Anthony "Tony" Cain of Pacific Grove, CA, Rachel (Jeffery) Coonley of Gilbert, AZ, and Caroline, Julia, Claire, and James "Will" Giuffre; and four great-grandchildren, Wylder and Asher (Cain) Robertson, and Magnusson and Isabel Coonley. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim of 40 years, her son-in-law George Balster, and 11 older siblings.

A celebration of life will be held on a date TBD. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at Serenity Hospice & Home.