Vera Gudrun Von Etzel Hilderman

born February 10, 1926, passed away in her home on Bainbridge Island on November 8, 2015. Vera was an expert equestrienne and a linguist fluent (and witty) in English and German and conversant in French, Spanish and Italian. Incredibly well traveled, she grew up in Wiesbaden, Germany, but traveled through Africa, nearly all of Europe, most of the United States, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. As the wife of Henry A. Hilderman (1924-2002), Lt. Col., USAF, she lived in various states in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Luxembourg.Her daughter, Mara Hilderman, son Brian Hilderman and grandchildren, James and Robin Hilderman, survive Vera.Vera was conservative in her politics but compassionate in her philanthropy and a good friend to all who knew her. She was extremely funny, and her family and friends will miss her witty repartee.The family requests no flowers, but these were Vera's favorite philanthropies: Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org); The Humane Society (www.humanesociety.org); and Old Dog Haven in Western Washington (www.olddoghaven.org).Memorial Services will be at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, Saturday, December 12 at 11am. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.