Proulx, Hilde

We are sad to announce the passing of Hilde Proulx at the age of 97.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

A native of Germany, Hilde was born to Karl and Marie Eckert in Nurnberg where she spent her childhood. She enjoyed visiting her grandparents, hiking, swimming, and riding her bike.

As a teenager, she endured the extreme hardships of WWII including living in underground bomb shelters, starvation, and hiding from Russian troops.

Hilde was a very intelligent and hardworking young woman who was fluent in both English and German. After the war ended, she worked as a stenographer in the famous Nurnberg trials. She was later hired by the US Government to travel throughout Nurnberg to deliver funds to contractors who were rebuilding the city.

The US Army assigned Sgt. Russell Proulx to provide security to Hilde during her travels and the two fell in love.

They returned to the US where they married in 1956 and eventually lived in East Hartford, CT for nearly 25 years.

Hilde held many jobs in finance and worked for numerous years as an internal auditor for the East Hartford Aircraft Federal Credit Union.

In 1985, the couple retired to Tequesta, FL where Hilde continued to remain active by playing tennis, swimming, cooking gourmet meals, biking, and walking. At age 90, she could outwalk most 20 year olds!

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Whether in person or by phone, she always made time to listen and show loving support.

Hilde is survived by her son, William and daughter in law, Amy; and granddaughter Nicole Proulx (Maggie). She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Russell; her grandson, Ryan Proulx; and her brother, Helmut Eckert.

Hilde will be forever remembered as a quiet, dignified woman with amazing inner strength and a deeply devoted wife and mother.

At their request, Hilde and Russell’s ashes will be dispersed together at sea in a private family ceremony.