Monika Hildreth Obituary

Monika Schüler Hildreth passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was 86 years old and spent her final day as she lived her life - grounded in love.

Born in Berlin, Germany, the youngest daughter of Herta and Willi Schüler and little sister to Roswitha, Monika embodied the warmth, joy and magic of her Christmas Eve birthdate throughout her life. She grew up during times of unimaginable hardship and in the shadows of war, but even then, she found moments of joy, like racing with her sister to catch candies dropped from planes by the "Candy Bombers." These small moments shaped her perspective early, and they stayed with her always.

Monika approached life with courage, curiosity, playfulness and quiet, formidable confidence. She loved adventure and traveling, but the beach remained her grounding place. She made sure that anyone that walked into her home left with a full belly (and leftovers), and she never missed a chance to celebrate life with rhythm. In school, she trained in leather goods, specializing in shoes - a craft that reflected her patience and appreciation for quality.

She met her husband, Raymond George Hildreth, on a blind double date. They were married on July 15, 1960, and they shared more than 65 years building a life together.

Her love extended far beyond her family. She created a world for warmth for many, making even simple moments feel extraordinary. For more than 25 years, she cared for many children in her home daycare, who also called her "Oma," learning from her kindness, steadiness and joy. Her love was dependable and constant, a source of comfort to everyone who knew her. She had a playful spirit, a quick wit and a feisty spark that kept people on their toes.

Monika was met in her passing by her parents; her daughter, Christina; her granddaughter, Brandy; and countless fur babies she loved dearly. Her family finds comfort in knowing she was met by her beloved Mutti, whose birthday coincides with the day Monika passed.

She lives on in the hearts of her husband, Raymond; her sister, Roswitha Enders; her children Jacqueline (Ron) Koerner, Michael (Gayle) Hildreth, Annette Frazier, and Stefanie Hildreth; her grandchildren Tara Frazier, Dustin Frazier, Kayla (Scott) Gupton, Chelsea Hodges, Madison (Blake) Harvell, and Grant Hildreth; eight great-grandchildren; and her extended family throughout Europe and the US.

Her family invites all who would like to honor Monika's extraordinary life for a visitation at 10 a.m. followed by her Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026. Services will be held at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Rd., Columbia SC 29209.

For those unable to attend, the service will be streaming live via the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/f26025784939166

Our family also extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to those who helped provide loving care and support to Monika and Raymond over the past several years: Dr. Margaret Matthews; Kaley; Amanda; Susan; Stephanie; Chaplain Princette White; Deborah ("D"); Chrystal; Kim; and Brittani.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Camp Kemo, two organizations that have always held a special place in Monika's heart. These gifts continue her lifelong commitment to bringing joy, care and hope to children and their families.