Gertrud Strampfer Hilley

It is with a saddened heart we announce the passing of Gertrud Strampfer Hilley of Irmo, South Carolina, this past Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the age of 93. While some called her “mama”, many called her “grandma”, and even more called her “GiGi” (great-grandmother), Gertrud often went by Miss Trudy to all she graced with her presence. Born to loving parents Johann Peter Strampfer and Anna Geborene Leisgang on May 25, 1930, in Erlangen-Bruck Germany, Trudy grew up and lived through history-shattering moments and the beginnings of the Second World War. It was through this war Trudy met and married the love of her life, an American soldier, Richard David Hilley, on July 12, 1952. Together, they moved to the United States where she officially gained citizenship, and they continued to live together until his death in 1989. Together they had five children, including their oldest, Henrico James Hilley, who passed away in 2009. Our family is glad all three are reunited again today. Despite her American citizenship, Trudy never gave up her German blood. She was never afraid to express her mind, especially when it came to her family. She won a 5k at the young age of 57, water-skied at age 65, loved to dance, and always refused help cutting her own grass and tending to her garden. However, beneath her hard German exterior she was the sweetest lady one could know. She spent most of her life as a stay-at-home mom who spent her time raising her kids and fostering children while her husband was working both stateside and overseas. She also helped raise many of her grandchildren, who she’d let stay up, watch movies, and she’d let have a midnight snack of ice cream when they couldn’t go to sleep. Trudy will be remembered by her four remaining children and their families: Arleen O’Neal, Janet Sternenberg and husband Max, Patricia Richburg and husband Willy, and Richard Hilley Jr. and wife Jennifer. In addition, she will be greatly missed by her ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews. Trudy was predeceased by her husband, son, and seven brothers and sisters. A celebration of life for Gertrud will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the chapel at Temples-Halloran funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends from 10 AM-11 AM prior to the service. Please join the family in honoring Gertrud by wearing red, white, and blue. The family would like to thank Generations of Irmo and Lexington Hospice House for their loving care of our Mother. Memorials may be made to Leeza’s Care Connection, 201 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210. 803-888-7525