Hilda Florence Knight

August 1, 1923 ~ November 14, 2017

Hilda passed away peacefully and with her grace on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, in Sonoma, California, surrounded by loved ones. The eldest child of Arthur and Florence Irvin, she prided herself on being a “True Londoner… born within the sound of Bow Bells” and was raised along with her younger brother, Kenny, in the borough of Tottenham. In 1941, she met and married her childhood sweetheart, Stanley Douglas Knight, who predeceased her in 2007.

A woman of courage, strength and dignity, Hilda recalled with great detail her story of survival during the blitz – the bombings, blackouts, and coupons – and because of the devastation, she was forced to leave the city and deliver her baby in Haddon Hall instead of hospital. Her young husband of only nineteen had gone off to war in Africa, not to return for four long years. 

In 1956, they emigrated to the United States. The majority of their family life was spent in sunny southern California, where she raised her four children: Keith, Marshall, Susan and John. Her love and dedication to them, as well as her fourteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and extended family, knew no bounds. She was a gracious hostess who loved to entertain and took great delight in baking, gardening and supporting her children’s activities.

An “English Rose” throughout her ninety-four years, she will be remembered for her laughter, sense of style and love of life. God bless her and comfort all of us who loved her, for we shall weep at her absence.

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