Obituary of Eloise M. Hilsdorf

HARTSVILLE: Eloise M. Hilsdorf, 93, of Slate Creek Rd passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at her beloved Slate Creek home, where she was born on January 25, 1931 to Daniel J. and Mable V. (Caward) Mullen. On July 11, 1995 in Hornell, she married Conrad C. Hilsdorf who predeceased her on April 13, 2018. Eloise was valedictorian of the Canisteo Central School class of 1948. In 1952, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Alfred University and in 1968 a Master’s degree in nursing from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-62 where she obtained the rank of Captain and received schooling as a flight nurse. Eloise was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hornell, the American Nurses Association, Hospice of Elmira, and Literacy Volunteers. Her employment included the V.A. Center in Bath, National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. Air Force Andrews AFB in Suitland, MD, North Hollywood Hospital in Van Nuys, CA and Space Age Computer Systems in Maryland. She also was a nursing instructor at Alfred State College and in later years was a real estate agent for Real, Inc. of Hornell. Eloise was a world traveler and enjoyed over 15 years of living in the Washington, DC area where she enthusiastically made sure family and friends had a grand experience in the nation’s capital. She had many, many friends around the country. In the 1980’s she graciously moved out of her Hornell home to allow a family of Cambodian refugees, two adults and five children, to live there for approximately three years. Eloise took an active role in overseeing their healthcare and education as well welcoming them to the joys of country life on Slate Creek. She had varied interests and tried her hand in many areas including, raising sheep and chickens, beekeeping, building a log cabin and pond, landscape painting and gardening. She was very creative and hospitable, always ready with homemade eggnog at Christmas and other culinary delights as well a craft project following Thanksgiving dinner. During her lifetime she enjoyed Arthur Murray dance lessons, as well as skiing, skating, swimming and cycling. In 1990, she was part of the historic “Bump the Dump” protest in Allegany County to prevent a radioactive waste site. She was an honorary member of the Hartsville School and Museum Historical Society, having donated the school house in 2013 for this purpose. Eloise received her education at this school from 1936-39. Eloise loved her nieces and nephews and was an ardent cheerleader and supporter of their endeavors and never forgot a birthday. Always an encourager, wise counselor and friend. Ready to come to the rescue if needed. Eloise is survived by step-children, Corinne (Ed) Mistretta of Charlston, SC, Sandra (Douglas) Clifford of Waltham, MA and Conrad (Eileen) Hilsdorf of Bishopville, NY. Also, by two sisters, Jane Campbell of Hartsville and Kathleen Shepherd of Canisteo and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Herman Mullen and a sister, Erma Lambert. Per Eloise’s request, there will be no calling hours. A private service will take place later at the convenience of the family. Final interment will be in Bennetts Creek Cemetery in the town of Greenwood. Memorial contributions in Eloise’s name may be made to either the Bennetts Creek Bible Church, 3740 Ste. Rte. 248 Canisteo, NY 14823 or to the Bennetts Creek Cemetery Association, c/o June Taylor, P.O. Box 503, Andover, N.Y. 14806. Arrangements in care of H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.