Roberta Wilson Hildebrand

July 12, 1924 - January 13, 2022

Roberta Wilson Hildebrand, 97, of Charlottesville, passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, with her beloved granddaughter by her side.

Born in Stony Creek, Connecticut, on July 12, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Robert H. and Hazel S. Wilson. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband and soulmate of 63 years, Louis F. “Byrd” Hildebrand; sister, Doreen Van Egghen; and son-in-law, Lindsay C. Woolfolk, Jr.

Roberta is survived by her devoted family which includes daughter, Robin H. Woolfolk of Charlottesville, VA; son, Rodney W. Hildebrand and wife Claudia of Keswick, VA; five grandchildren who adored her immensely and affectionately called her “Bertie,” Ashley W. Skelly (John), Lindsay C. Woolfolk, III (Aris), Courtney W. Hildebrand, Cameron L. Hildebrand, and Carey B. Hildebrand, and three precious greatgrandchildren, Coleman M. Skelly, Lane F. Skelly, and Mollie E. Woolfolk, who always brightened her days. Survivors also include two brothers-in-law, Louis Van Egghen and Abe A. Hildebrand, Jr. and close friends, Ben and Anne Bondurant, and Renèe Parker.

Upon relocating to Washington, D.C. from the shores of Connecticut, she began writing to Byrd, a Marine stationed at Quantico in 1942; this cemented the beginning of their beautiful love story.

After marrying, Roberta moved to Virginia and began working as a crossing guard at Clark Elementary School, which showcased her love of children. She then progressed to several secretarial positions, including working at the UVA Registrar Office. Through her love of fashion and outgoing personality, her last positions were in retail at The MaryPeg Dress Shop and The Something Special Shop. Nevertheless, her family was always predominant in her mind, and she lived for them.

Roberta had many loves, including entertaining friends and family at their beautiful Locust Avenue home and enjoying the sunshine and ocean of Stony Creek. She and her family would take annual trips back to her birthplace, and they continue those special visits to this day.

She was passionately engaged in her community as a Life Member of the Doe Club of BPOE Elks Lodge #389, and a long-standing member of the American Legion Post 74 Auxiliary, holding numerous offices in both.

Byrd and Roberta’s everlasting devotion set the foundation for their family bond that still exists today. As the loving matriarch of the family, her generosity, love, and wit were always felt and embraced by her surviving family. “Love Always.”

The family celebrated the life of Roberta at Hill & Wood Funeral Home in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Kathryn Hull officiated, and a private interment took place immediately after at Riverview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Albemarle County Fire Rescue, 460 Stagecoach Rd., Suite F, Charlottesville, VA 22902; The Lindsay C. Woolfolk, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o OCEF, PO Box 131, Orange, VA 22960; The American Legion Post 74, P.O. Box 6566, Charlottesville, VA 22906; or The Elks Lodge BPOE #389, 389 Elk Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22911. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hillandwood.com.