Hilda Helen Stengard

CARMEL, Calif. - Hilda Helen Stengard, 96, who moved to Carmel in 1984 after retiring, died at her home.

Hilda or Helen, she went by either, grew up in Bessemer Township, Mich., the youngest of seven siblings to parents who emigrated from Finland. The family all lived and worked together on the farm.

She graduated from Bessemer High School. She then attended nurses school at St. Luke's in Chicago, University of Illinois receiving her bachelor of science degree in nursing and received her master's in public health from the University of Michigan, School of Public Health.

As an RN, Hilda worked in hospitals and worked as a visiting nurse in Oak Park, Ill. In the early 1960s, she moved to California, taking a position as public health nursing supervisor.

After retiring, Hilda volunteered in public health clinics, as a friendly visitor to the elderly and, for approximately 12 years, as an auxiliary volunteer at Community Hospital of Monterey.

She loved to travel with her dear friends, Ann Damon and Marj Clark. They enjoyed camping, many visits to Maui, Hawaii, and a visit to Finland, seeing relatives.

Hilda is survived by her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Hilda requested any donations would go to Carmel Library Foundation, PO Box 2042, Carmel, CA, 93921, or to the SPCA for Monterey County, PO Box 3058, Monterey, CA, 93942. Please visit thepaulmortuary.com to sign Hilda's guest book and leave messages for her family.