WILMINGTON — Hilda Marylin Conn, affectionately known as Hildy, was born on February 12, 1931, in Passaic, New Jersey, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on October 24th, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Hildy was a woman of remarkable intelligence, a quick wit, and an unfailingly sunny disposition. Ask her how she was doing, and her answer was almost always the same: “Terrific!” It was more than a cheerful response; it reflected the way she approached life. She had a gift for finding positivity in the everyday, a sharp and playful sense of humor, and a talent for turning a phrase. She brought energy, laughter, and a refreshing perspective to those fortunate enough to know her.
Hildy treasured her family. Together with her beloved husband of 66 years, the late Honorable Joseph L. Conn, she built a life rich in love, laughter, and lasting family bonds. Hildy had a particular gift for words, which she often put to use composing poems on birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. She expressed her love and pride not with flowery words, but with the sharp wit, clever humor, and affection that made her so uniquely Hildy.
A graduate of Wellesley College, Class of 1953, where she earned a BA in Art History, Hildy devoted much of her professional life to helping others. She started her career as a teacher. She headed up a Model Cities agency and a drug addiction/rehab program in Paterson, NJ. She later went on to become the sales manager at her brother-in-law’s kitchen design business.
Hildy and Joe eventually retired to Reading, Vermont, where they embraced a wonderful chapter of life filled with family, friends, volunteering and community service, gardening, puzzles, and Sudoku. The Fourth of July became a cherished Conn family tradition, bringing generations together in Reading for a quintessential small-town celebration. The festivities included a parade complete with fire trucks, marching veterans, and homemade floats, followed by a cookout shared with family, friends, and neighbors. These annual gatherings created countless happy memories and reflected what mattered most to Hildy: family, friendship, community, and the joy of being together.
Hildy’s legacy lives on through the family she cherished: her children, Michael Conn; Lisa Conn Stathis (Jim); Abby Conn Keehn (Paul); and Bill Conn (Barbara); her sister, Sandra Earl (Steve); her grandchildren, Melissa Conn (Brad Topf), Jake Stathis, Jesse Stathis, Brian Keehn (Abbey), Andrew Keehn, and Steven Culpepper (Sara); her great-grandchildren, Cassian Topf, Griffin Keehn, and Dylan Culpepper; and her nieces and nephews.
Hildy will be remembered for her brilliant mind, her quick and clever wit, her unfailing optimism, and the laughter she brought into the lives of others. She leaves behind a family who loved her dearly, generations of happy memories, and a legacy of love that will endure for years to come.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. Hildy would surely think it was terrific if her memory could help others receive the compassionate care she experienced.
The family will be holding a private celebration of life.
