Hilda Margaret Lane

A life that touched so many hearts will be forever remembered. 

Obituary

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Hilda Margaret Lane, who was born on the 29 th of May 1936 in London, UK and passed away just a while after her 90th birthday on the 12th of June 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. She leaves her 4 children and their families - 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, her nieces and nephews and their families.

Family meant a great deal to Hilda - she always spoke to each of us of what it meant to stay together, to be together. After Harry died she spent a great deal of time visiting family overseas and enjoyed being with her grandchildren. We had a few family reunions in South Africa in her latter years which were thoroughly enjoyed. In her last days she had her children by her side - just what she had always wanted, for us to be together.

Hilda loved living in South Africa, a choice the two of them made to move in the 1970's from the UK. She worked hard and was always dedicated to whatever she tackled. Together they gave us all a life in South Africa which was and will always be special to who we are and who we have become.

Hilda was never really ill until she hit her eighties. The biggest fight she had was with Parkinson's which she fought (sometimes with gusto) to the end. She will be deeply missed - she leaves a strong legacy of a strong woman. She loved the Lord so we are at peace with the knowledge that she is with Him now without the pain and discomfort she has experienced in her last years.

The passing of Hilda leaves a space that cannot be filled. However the memories and moments shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her - please feel free to share some of these memories and photos on the memory wall. We felt this online tribute is a way for us all 'to be together' in memory of Hilda. 
We love you, Mum - Susan, Jacqueline, Julia and Andrew

Gallery

Memory wall

July 24, 2026

These tributes are all so beautiful. I promised Aunt Hilda a drive in the car, but she was too frail. I hope she understands. Her spiritual strength I will always remember. Harry’s rock. Her sensibility to his kindness. Her spirit lives on in my lovely cousins. All the best through this changing time.

Bruce Battaliou

July 24, 2026

Dear Auntie Hilda, we didn't spend a lot of time together over the years but as everyone has said you were a lovely warm and generous person with a great sense of fun. I have one very treasured memory of being your guest for nearly six weeks when I was 18. It was the first time I remember meeting you and straight away I felt like one of the family. We had a great trip together up the coast from Cape Town to East London. Rest in peace Auntie Hilda and much love and condolences to all my cousins xx

Debbie Smith

July 19, 2026

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Jonathan Andrew Spencer Smith

July 19, 2026

Hilda,what a great lady (auntie). Always engaged with you,checked on your wellbeing,always made you feel loved,always had a smile, a great hug and a kiss.
You always seem to carry on from where you left from the last time you met,great memory for what you do for a job,always remembers the good in you wether you've been a bad boy.
I've got some great memories that I shall cherish with all my heart.
Thank you Hilda you're very much loved & we shall all miss you very, very much.
Love to you all my Fuzzy Cuzs
Yours sincerely
Jonathan A S Smith

Jonathan Andrew Spencer Smith

July 18, 2026

I met Hilda at Valley Church in Hout Bay and I had the pleasure of spending many afternoons having tea with her and praying together. She always wanted to know how I was doing and what was new in my life. She loved telling me about her family and she was so proud of all her children and grandchildren. I shall miss her tremendously, but I am grateful knowing that she is no longer experiencing any pain.

Terri Jackson

July 18, 2026

I got to know Hilda in Church and we nursed together in Camps Bay for the Nursing Atlantic Home care. But I really got to know her when we shared our rooms on the trip to Israel. I never forget when she requested to be baptized in the Jordan river with a few others. Soo special!! It cannot get better than that. She loved her family dearly but she also looked forward to being with the Lord.

Esther Graef

July 13, 2026

I also used to love our family visits to Mum in Hout Bay: Going for lovely walks with her along the beach there; eating out at the fish & chips shack, Deli Delish, or Dunes; playing Rummikub with her on the veranda at her house - wonderful memories!! Rest in peace. xx

Fabian

July 13, 2026

Dear Granny, we had great times in Hout Bay at the beach and it often ended with us going to Del-Delish or to enjoy rusks at the coffee shop. Wonderful memories for me to enjoy and share. Love Ciaran

Ciaran Meazzo

July 13, 2026

To my Granny

I am so grateful that you were my Granny, you filled my life with so much love, joy & laughter.

Whenever I am walking on a beach I will think of you. When I hear loud 'harmonising music', I will think of you. Even in such small moment of fruit and yogurt for breakfast, I will think of you.

I know now God has you in his special keeping and I will always have you in a special place in my heart.

I miss you, your dearest granddaughter xx

Lauren, Sean & Rosalie

July 12, 2026

Beautiful memories of coffee dates! Granny always had an appetite for a piece of cake or something sweet!

Daniel Vaughan

July 12, 2026

Saint James, Gerrard's Cross

David Battaliou

July 12, 2026

My aunty Hilda was a very beautiful lady in all senses of the word.
I have known Harry all of my.life and Hilda for most of it.
I was a page boy at their wedding!
I recall a joint family holiday to the Isle of Muck on the west coast of Scotland, with huge affection and lots of memories from 50+ years ago....
It's very difficult for those left behind, but remembering the good times, and there are a lot, will help.
I am certain Hilda is in a beautiful place as she should be.
Love to all.
Nigel X

Nigel Smith

July 6, 2026

No one else can truly understand what a mother means to her children in the way that each family does. That is why it is so special to share our memories and experiences with one another, because together they tell the story of the remarkable woman she was. The photos share so much if you look closely enough!
Mom raised the four of us to be strong, independent individuals, and today we can each see a part of her living on in ourselves. Her boundless energy; her quiet composure; her kindness; and perhaps even a little stubbornness (that determination).
As we say our farewell, we know that the qualities she instilled in us will remain with us always. She lives on in the way we love, the way we care for others, and the way we face life's challenges. That is a legacy that will never fade. Thank you, Mom.

Jackie Dednam

June 29, 2026

Memories of Mom
I was witness to her life
What did she mean to me
What words did she share with me
What direction did she give me
How did she love me
What am I grateful to her for

Thank you for taking Mom home
Thank you for showing her the way
Thank you for the mercy of taking her Pain
Her responsibility has been lifted
Her new adventure has begun
How will she turn up in my life again
How will my relationship with her grow

Mom was such a layered part of my life
Mom gave so much
Mom gave her life for her children
Mom sacrifice her life in many ways
Sure she wasn’t perfect, sure she forgot, sure she got lost in anger
Yet she gave us so much
Drawing boundaries wasn’t fun

Do we really remember
Recalling memories can be painful and yet full of fun
The ones that remain
The ones that shape our lives
The one that push us forward to be a better Human
They come from Mom, her guidance and her love, remembering that she gave it all she had
We only have one Mom

Andrew Lane

June 29, 2026

Mum always loved to go walking - one of her favourite activities. It really gave me the love of the outdoors and very special memories

Julia Meazzo

June 28, 2026

Above all I think a warm memory of mum is having scones and tea together - of which there were many occasions! Strangely this is a similar memory of her dad, my grandfather - so clearly a tradition I need to keep.

Susan Vaughan