Hilda joined the Tahoe Mountain Club Family in 2006 for what was supposed to be a simple retirement job. Quickly though, she became the beating heart of the organization. She was the smiling face when you walked through the door, the grandma to every grandchild, and friend who always remembered your name. She had her finger on the pulse of the local community and was a constant source of information on everything Truckee. Above all, she was honest, vibrant, and absolutely adored by generations of TMC Members.
As you can imagine, the news of her passing is still fresh and few details are available at this time. For those looking to pay their tributes, please scroll to the bottom of this page and utilize the comment option to share your condolences and memories of Hilda.
We are so sad to read of Hilda’s passing. We met Hilda 15 years ago as new owners at Old Greenwood, but she always made you feel like family and that we had known each other for a long time. Her smile and spunky personality were always such a warm welcome to The Pavillion. You will be missed. Rest in Peace Hilda.
~The Kiernan Family
I am saddened to hear of Hilda’s passing. She was a warm, friendly presence at the front when checking in. So friendly and helpful too.
May she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear the news . She was a warrior through her fight with cancer and with a smile and wonderful attitude she did her job. Her smiling face will be missed but she leaves us with wonderful memories.
Rich and Audrey Weinstein and family
We bought at Old Greenwood in 2008 and always loved seeing Hilda. She always remembered our names and the details of our lives and was always such a friendly, helpful and positive force at the front desk. We will miss her smiling face immensely and send our deepest condolences to her family. Rest In Peace Hilda. ❤️
A wonderful woman. Loved her from the first time we walked in the door at Old Greenwood. Our entire family will miss her
Hilda was the heart and soul of OG. She was the one person who adeptly help together the many, many arms of a smooth vacation experience. I looked forward to seeing for every vacation. She shared her battle with cancer with me so it doesn’t surprise me she fought a long battle. She will be missed. Such a great woman. RIP Hilda. You were the best ever!
Hilda was so special to us. We enjoyed her and spent some fun times together! Her love for life was contagious! She always had such a positive attitude and boy was she a fighter! We send prayers and love to her family! She will be forever in our hearts, Lori and Pax Reitman
We love you Hilda. You were an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your graciousness.
To Hilda’s family and all of TMC – my her memory be for a blessing Love – Pam, Dan, Jacob and Tyler Dickerman
Our sincerest condolences. Very sad news to receive tonight. Hilda made a point to greet everyone by name and always gave her best no matter her personal battles. I’ve lost count of the times she went above and beyond in the name of client services whether for our family or our guests. Such a loss. But never forgotten. ~~ The Rao Family
WOW! Makes my heart ache. She had such spunk, personality, and an unmatched caring for people. A great loss to TMC but the stark realization we all move on.
Hilda was always the best with us, our children and grandchildren. Sort of a “grandma extra.” She knew everyone and everything about Old Greenwood and Truckee. She was always welcoming, gracious, helpful, positive and courteous,
She leaves a wonderful legacy and many great memories of our time there. She was a great ambassdor for OG and the TMC. She will not be forgotten.
We loved seeing Hilda and catch up when we came up for our Old Greenwood visits. She was definitely the heart and soul of TMC. We will miss here dearly.
The Buckwalters
Such a lovely lady who always made everyone feel special and showed love to all of us. So positive, gracious, and caring. Every encounter with Hilda made you feel better. Such a sparkling spirit.
Hilda was a love. At our first member event at PJ’s, she invited us to her table, gave us the drinks that had just been delivered to her and in her unique and warm way, invited us to tell her about ourselves. We were soon smitten by her caring interest and generosity. We always looked forward to seeing her during our week while at OG. Though her cancer was something we always inquired about, her positivity and indomitable spirit was always present. She will be deeply missed.
Hilda’s passing will be a heavy burden to bare but will we always remember her humor, quick wit and devotion. Was there anyone she didn’t know by name? What a gift she was to the TMC community. The Sabhlok family will miss her dearly.
A beautiful and fitting tribute to this warm, energetic and vibrant woman. I remember her as “Hiking Hilda” because she knew every trail in the Tahoe area. She always had a recommendation for me, and perhaps the one I’ll remember most is when she recommended Sand Pond as an outing for my family. I had never heard of it, and we ended up spending a happy day paddling and exploring that area. I’ll miss Hilda so much— her knowledge of the landscape she loved, her friendly manner and her eagerness to help. Thank you, Hilda, for all you gave to me and my family.
My goodness, what sad news for OG and Hilda’s family. The Beckmeyer family loved Hilda, and looked forward to her smile upon every arrival. What a wonderful person. Many prayers will include Hilda in the days to come.
Jim Beckmeyer
Hilda was a wonderful person & always had a positive attitude working the desk at Old Greenwood. If we had a question & she didn’t know the answer she would quickly search for an answer.
She will be missed by all especially our family. We will always remember her and her infectious smile.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Hilda was an original. Sassy, smart, no-nonsense, yet one of the kindest, most compassionate women I’ve ever met. We were cancer buddies, sharing and cheering, hugging a lot. Hilda was always optimistic and forward thinking, about life, grandkids, and about TMC. She was a treasure. She is greatly missed.
We are so very saddened and sorry to hear of Hilda’s passing – she was such a stud and a shining star – many hours were spent talking about fishing, hiking and anything else. TMC will not be the same without her….and, as a side note, Hilda supported me in my breast cancer journey and was such an inspiration. She will be greatly missed by all.
Hilda was the face of O. G. and represented TMC better than any one could imagine. It is with a heavy heart to hear this news. Hilda made our stay at O. G. personal as if we were family. There will be no one like her and O. G. will never be the same. Thank You Hilda and rest in peace.
Kurt & Claudia Fisher
I am a recent employee with TMC, but I was lucky enough to go through orientation day with Hilda. We chatted while waiting for it to begin and I watched her greet every person who came in the door. She welcomed us all with her brilliant smile and I will never forget her. My condolences to her family. Keep all those wonderful memories close.
Oh my, we will miss her dearly. She epitomized warmth and welcome. Always helpful and when she called you “honey”it made you all warm inside. What a loss for all of us. Our condolences to her friends and loved ones. She was one in a million.
The Ayala Family extends its deepest sympathies to Hilda’s family and all whom she never failed to treat as such. Hilda took the time to know our children and grandchildren and made all of us feel so welcomed at OG. There isn’t enough space here to list all the things she did for our family over the years, always with a smile on her face. OG will not be the same without her.
We are so sad to hear this but we will think of Hilda every time we walk through the Pavillion door. No one was more welcoming, or as interested in members as Hilda. She was a delight to know who will be terribly missed. We loved her!
Hilda was so smart and sassy! My whole family loved her spirit and spunk! We will miss her!!
From the moment I started my career at TMC, Hilda was there as my cheerleader. Stopping me in the halls to give me words of encouragement, sharing how she was excited about projects I was working on, and sharing background information about the history of The Club. She was proud of where she worked and of the people she worked with. She was TMC.
Her soul lives on inside the Pavilion and up in my office in particular. Every plant you see scattered around the building was brought there by Hilda. She just wanted us to have a little more oxygen and a little more joy. She wanted work to feel like home. Thanks, Hilda.
Hilda was always someone to have a huge smile on her face and lift your spirits the second your eyes would meet hers. She was so darn sweet. We looked forward to seeing her every visit. She has been there since the beginning when our girls were little to now young adults. She was adored by everyone. She will be truly missed!
We will miss you Hilda. Thank you for all the joy you brought to this world. We will remember your warm smile and kind soul. You made everyones day a little brighter.
The Weaver Family sends heartfelt sympathy to Hilda’s family and close friends. Hilda was a gem. She had such a big smile and genuine warm greeting whenever you came into the Pavilion. Our whole family enjoyed visiting with her– she always asked about our kids and about their activities. She also enjoyed sending us on hikes that were not necessarily in our guide books. I’m glad she had her own desk in the lobby the last couple of years. So special. We will think of her with fondness when we visit the Pavilion.
Soo sad to hear of Hilda’s passing. She was soo bubbly and welcoming. We will miss seeing her during our visits.
We will miss her smiling face whenever we came into the clubhouse. What a special lady.
We are so saddened to hear of Hilda’s Passing. She epitomized the very nature
Of the Tahoe Mountain Club Family.
Her Generosity of Spirit, Her Clipboard:
Checklist on the Ski Shuttle, to make sure We were all taken care of.
Her first words when We checked in each time, “ How are the Grandkids in New
Zealand doing?”
Hilda was truly One of a Kind.
Our Heartfelt Condolences to Her Family.
We will miss You Hilda.
Rest in Peace.
Debora & Sid Sall
She was an absolute delight and one reason I decided to buy in Old Greenwood. Friendly, funny, welcoming. She will be missed.
Just heartbroken by this news. Reading through all of the tributes already left for her, it’s obvious she left an indelible mark on many people’s lives. She was adorable, positive, funny, and just wonderful to know. She always made me feel like I was this amazing, put-together mom when in fact I often felt anything but that. She just knew how to make you feel good. What a loss this is but we are all so blessed to have known this kind, bright, incredibly generous and thoughtful woman. We will miss you Hilda!😢
Hilda was a lovely person. I always enjoyed seeing her and am sad I won’t see her again.
We knew Hilda from the very first day we became TMC members, nearly 15 years ago. Your tribute was wonderfully stated, and said it all. She was always upbeat, but not afraid to express her opinion on just about any topic! She battled hard to beat her cancer, and she will be sorely missed.
My husband and I are so incredibly sad to hear of Hilda’s passing. We have known her since we bought at OG in 2007. Hilda is one of a kind and such a beautiful soul. Heaven earned an amazing Angel today. We are sure she will be incredibly missed by her family & friends; our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. Love, Rob & Susan Kolb
Just this morning, on the shuttle, we all were wondering where Hilda was. It is so unlike her to miss greeting us on the bus, take down names to pull skis out. That warm smile, her toughness, her kindness, we will dearly miss. Boys grew up knowing her, cracking silly jokes with her. She remembered every little detail about us. She would thank my younger one for the pair of socks he got her one holiday each time she met him. We love you Hilda, thank you and wish you rest in peace.
We are saddened by Hilda’s passing. She was the heart beat at OG with her friendly greetings (by name!) and smile! She always took the time to chat and catch up with our family which made us all feel special and part of OG community family! From the beginning of her career she loved to make suggestions and help us plan our outings! It was such a treat to know her for all these years!
Hilda we will miss you ❤️ Find peace and thank you for being a amazing person that touched our life’s! Hugs to you and your loved ones 🙏🏻
Hilda was amazing. Over the last 8 years we were blessed to have many many spirited conversations with Hilda and each and every time we came away with a smile. She truly brightened the lives of all that entered the Pavilion. The welcoming feeling she delivered was one of the reasons we joined TMC.
We need more people like Hilda in our lives.
Hilda, you will be missed but the fingerprints you left on all of our lives will not be forgotten.
With Love,
Tara, Jon, Addy, Avery, Brody and Paxton Moeller
Our condolences to the Wheeler family and so sorry to hear. Hilda will surely be missed and so proud of her fighting spirit these last few years. We first met Hilda when she and our family joined TMC back in 2006. Such a nice lady that watched our kids grow up all these years. We would always look forward to her cheery mood as she used to take all our names on the ski shuttle. Our hearts are with you.
We met Hilda in 2006. She was always warm and welcoming, From the first moment I met her there was a connection . Her dry sense of humor was priceless ! I always looked forward to seeing her and “catching up”. She will be greatly missed but I feel immensely blessed to have known her . Thoughts and prayers to her family . Sincerely, Karie Quinn Patching & family
We are so sad to hear this news. Hilda was a bright light at the Pavilion. She always struck up the best conversations and made everyone feel good after a talk with her. Our family will miss her so much. Old Greenwood was lucky to have her. We will miss seeing her greatly. Thinking of her family and the TMC community. The Hukari family
We are so deeply saddened by this loss. We have been members for 8 years and celebrate our daughters birthday there every summer. Miss Hilda would go out of her way to buy cake and cupcakes for her and often gift her something that had been special to her. When the pavilion was out of hot chocolate packets, she told the kids not to worry and that she would have some for them the following morning. True to her word, she gave them a gift bag full of assorted hot chocolates for them to enjoy. She was quick to tell me that I was doing a great job as a parent.
The pavilion truly will never be the same. She was a gem.
Oh, how my heart broke reading this news. Hilda was a face I always looked forward to seeing when my late husband and I came up to OG. She was a source of strength for me after my husband’s passing. She truly was like family…Thomas Campbell wrote, “To live in hearts we leave behind is to not die.” A little piece of Hilda will live on in us all, I suspect, as we carry her in our hearts. She touched all our lives…Sending much love and sympathy to the family. Rebekah Freeman
We are so saddened by Hilda’s loss. She was the heart and soul of TMC – welcoming every member, remembering every family detail, fixing every problem, offering wonderful suggestions – always with a loving smile. She’s known our son his entire life, and truly was like a caring grandma to him. She will always live on in our hearts. We would be honored to help organize a lasting tribute in her memory. Our condolences to her family, of whom she was so proud. 💔 Lisa, Mike and Mait
Hilda made the world a better place and I am so grateful for her infectious positivity and smile , the way she went above and beyond to help everyone and her battle with cancer that couldn’t keep an amazing woman down . Hilda , thank you for all the love and joy . You are a role model for all of us. Love , Ken
We are so sad to hear about Hilda’s passing. She was such a warm, wonderful lady. We met her in 2006 and loved hearing about her grandchildren that she was so very proud of. We left Old Greenwood for about 10 years and recently returned, the first time I saw her again in the Pavilion, she remembered us as if we were there the entire time. We were hoping and praying that she would overcome her health issues…The Vicencio family will be thinking about her family, her TMC family and friends. Rest in peace, Hilda.
We were saddened to hear of Hilda’s passing. She was that person who greeted you by name when you arrived for check in, sat with you and chatted in the Bearfoot bar & grill about any topic under the sun, made sure you were taken care of during your stay and to contact her for anything. A true ambassador to Old Greenwood, she loved what she did. She enjoyed our smoked pecans and almonds at Christmas time and that will always remind us of her when we make them every year. She fought a diligent battle with cancer and will be so fondly remembered.
My husband and I are very saddened to hear of Hilda’s passing. We joined TMC when it first opened in 2005 and we have such a special place in our hearts for Hilda. She was the life and personality of the club and we loved seeing her first thing in the morning for breakfast at the Pavilion and then heading off to Northstar in the shuttle. She always made us laugh. We last saw her at Grays at PJ’s for a special event and while she was not well her spirit always was positive and uplifting. The Laustsen family will miss her deeply and are thinking about her family and friends. We love you Hilda. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.
Hilda was an original and what a character! She handled her illness with such positivity and candor. I will miss her.
We are deeply sad to read this today .
Hilda was always so nice and positive when we walked in. She always managed to get a smile on everybody face walking by. She will be missed and we pray for her and here family .
This is one great lady. She was the first thing we look for when we arrived at Old Greenwood and we always spent some time with her discussing everything that was going on. She was my expert on local fishing and never steered me wrong. She has a great loss to all of us and to the Old Greenwood culture.
I send my condolences to Hilda’s family and friends at Old Greenwood. She always remembered everyone and all the family members. I loved visiting with her and hearing stories from her past experiences. Her smile and kindness will be so missed.
We are so heartbroken 💔 We’ve known Hilda since the beginning of her career at OG. She’s seen all my 3 kids grow up over the past 16 years. I’ll never forget how warm and welcoming she was whenever we were in residence. She even gave me a bag of her family rice. I’ll never forget our talks, especially when she told me about her cancer. I’m really going to miss her beautiful and friendly smile sitting at her desk. Hilda always wanted us to be happy. Rest in peace Hilda. We will never forget you. Love, Rosemary, Derek, Cameron, Evan and Brielle Kadoya
Hilda was the very first person that our family met from the TMC crew when we joined in 2008. She saw our kids grow up and was such special person. She made us an all members feel so welcome. “Good morning Skinner family”. The club will not be the same without her. We know that god has a special place up there for her.
Hilda was inspirational- a shining example of how to get the most out of life, and make everyone else’s life better.
We will truly miss her.
Our family and friends have loved Hilda like she was our own family. Hilda could make me laugh so hard! Our conversations are some of my favorites in my life so far. She always had a smile and a cheeky comment for me and to say I will miss her is an understatement. She is one of a kind and I will remember her! Sending love to her family and all who loved her.
The Kosich’s
Hilda was the heart and soul of OG. If you met her once she remembered you! What a life well lived. She was a strong woman before it was cool to be a strong woman. Heaven received a special soul , I am certain she will make her mark in heaven as she did with her time on earth. ❤️
Hilda has been a fixture for so long at the Pavilion that it will be hard to walk through those doors without thinking of her warm smile and always cheerful attitude. When my children were small she was so eager to greet them and celebrate their milestones of lost teeth and birthdays and as they grew her enthusiasm for seeing our family never dimmed. I know she struggled with her health these last several years but she never complained and always saw the sunshine through the rain. I hope her family knows how many hearts she touched and how she truly spread joy and happiness wherever she went.
So saddened to hear of Hilda’s passing! Hilda was the bright, smiling face and a very kind woman whenever we entered the Pavillion. She made us feel at home!
We will miss her!
Hoey Family
A tribute to Hilda, she made every stay at OGW special. Her wisdom and wit will be memories I treasure. She lived a full and purposeful life, I hope to carry on in her spirit –
A very sad heart, but a very full and joyful memory.
I will miss you Hilda
Natalie Klug
I am an old Chico friend and with a heavy heart I am sad to hear of her passing. We had great fun because we lived a few miles apart. My condolences to the family
Hilda was the most amazing, driven, caring person in the WORLD. She was my best friend as well as mentor. I have seen her suffer for so many years, yet she never complained. I will miss her STRONG WILL and guidance forever. She will always remain in my heart as a reminder of how to be a better person. Good bye my dear friend. 😢
Hilda will be remembered for her kindness and spunk. It was a pleasure every time she was there to greet us and visit with. She always complimented me on my grandkids. We will miss her.
“Oh honey . . . “
We are privileged to have known Hilda for ten years and went to visit her at Old Greenwood just yesterday, not realizing she was ill at home.
With her ladylike joie de vivre and her fighter-like lust for life, Hilda was truly one of life’s great characters.
She was curious and thoughtful about people. She treated our children as her own grandchildren, whether saving an unclaimed football for the boys, bringing Clare a doll, giving the kids some of her OG hat collection. That said, there was no one she was prouder of than her real grandchildren, Bode and Bjorn, and we knew all their milestones—and heights—as they grew.
We were delighted for her when Hilda was promoted from the front desk, where perched on high, she had fought with the computer for years, sometimes more successfully than others, and we gave her her Madam Ambassador sign.
A couple of summers ago, we listened to The Winds of Change podcast, about whether the Scorpions’ song might have been written by the CIA. Thinking about who we knew who might be a former CIA agent, Hilda Wheeler topped the list. Hilda’s iron fist in the velvet glove, her gimlet eye, her ability to remake herself over and over again, her unique skillset (lobbyist AND abalone diver), and the fact she never talked much about those lobbying years, we thought, if we know one retired spy, it’s Hilda Wheeler. She laughed, but didn’t deny. That same week, Hilda gave my son her copy of Enemy at the Gates along with a picture of a bald eagle devouring its prey, next to a sign that reads “Don’t Tread, Thin Ice.” Ha! Proof positive, we thought! Well that, and/or she has a great sense of humor.
We moved to New York six months before the pandemic and missed TMC and Tahoe intensely. When the time came to do a video tribute to Hilda for her 80th birthday, nothing seemed more appropriate than singing the Cheers theme song for her from our lockdown home:
“… Making your way in the world today
Takes everything you’ve got
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
… Sometimes you want to go
Where Hilda Wheeler knows your name
And she’s always glad you came
You want to be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same
You want to be where Hilda knows your name.”
No matter where you came from, Hilda made you feel like a local. And that was her gift!
Hilda was the first person we met when we became a fractional owner in 2006. She was excited about Old Greenwood and was informative and had a lot of light. We always looked forward to talking to Hilda through the years. She always asked about us and our family and truly wanted to connect and share openly about her life. Her spirit was high, and she loved life even though her long illness. We will miss her and will always think of her when we vacation at Old Greenwood.
Hilda has always been so wonderful to our family. Always made us feel like her family. Graced our kids with her presence since they were babies, 10 years ago. Great story teller. Spunky. Super wise. Generous. Kind. Funny. Etc. Just a wonderful human being we feel blessed to have known. God bless Hilda!!
What a beautiful and fitting tribute for Hilda – she was so warm and friendly, always making OG feel like home. She was very knowledgeable about all things Truckee and gave us many great hiking recommendations. Her optimism and positive attitude while facing cancer was amazing, we’re so very sorry she lost the battle. Our entire family will miss her.
The Lucas Singsank Family
So very sad to see this news. Hilda was always so kind and welcoming when we were at OG – like having Mom greet you when you came home! She had a long and wonderful life and will be remembered fondly. Sincerest condolences to her family.
Hilda you have a special place in our hearts. As original owners you welcomed us every visit and were always so filled with joy. Throughout the years you witnessed our kids growing up and would always comment on how you knew them from the early days when they were so young. Little touches you provided like that made Old Greenwood feel like home. Our condolences to the Wheeler family members Hilda was truly one of a kind. Hilda you will be missed!
The Demele Family
She welcomed us at each visit always commenting on the growth and maturity of our twin grandsons. She always seemed to really know us despite the huge number of people that passed her way each day. It was hard to see her struggle with health issues, but she always remained optimistic and didn’t focus on herself but on others. Her warm greeting will be missed.
Thanks Hilda for all you did to make OG a special place.
Our seven years as members at Old Greenwood have been made so much richer, thanks to Hilda. She always had a suggestion for a new hike or cross country ski trail or family activity. Thankfully, we have made a long list of her suggestions, so her legacy will serve the Page Family for many years to come. Still, we will miss you, Hilda, every time we walk through the pavillion. We hope you are finding new trails in Heaven.
So sorry to hear this news…She was one of a kind…. always had a smile on her face…a dear sweet soul!!!
She will be missed!!!
Our deepest condolences to the family.
The Chapman’s
Hilda was such a light in this world. She always greeted us with a smile and engaged in meaningful conversation with all of us, from our youngest child to our 92 year old aunt. I feel like I always learned something new and interesting during our brief encounters. We are thinking of her family, friends and all those she touched with her warmth, humor and intelligence.
Hilda’s passing will leave a hole that can never be filled. She was truly a person I was honored to know and made our many visits over the past 15 years to Old Greenwood more like coming home than a vacation. You will be sorely missed.
Our family always felt welcomed by name!! Hilda seemed to adopt them all-from me (grandma to my daughters Katie, Megan and Kirstie to their children Lila, Zane Nathan, Noah, Luke and Emma!! We prayed together for more quality days the last two years and I believe God
heard and gave her those extra days, weeks and years to enjoy! She will be truly missed!!!!
No one organized the winter shuttle or corralled your kids from the old free breakfast buffet like Hilda. She was a treasure and will be sincerely missed. I smiled every time I saw her and her beloved “ambassador” name plate. I hope her family knows the wonderful impact she had on so many families!
Our family is very sad to hear of the news of Hilda’s passing. I’m sorry I didn’t know sooner. Hilda was such a light, laugh and blessing. She was the sweetest to my children and told you how it was. We loved that about her. Her face and spunk will be dearly missed.
The one thing I will always remember about Hilda was the joy she expressed when she talked about her grandchildren. How special they were to her and how wonderfully they treated her. I found this very endearing, especially because our children were marrying and giving us our own grandchildren. She asked about our growing family every time we arrived at Old Greenwood and treated them lovingly when they traveled with us.
She was such a special lady!
Our family had some great conversations family conversations. We knew her from day one, when came on board. Knew her and she keep us u to date on her family and grand kids.
She will be missed on arrival and leaving. Great loss for family and TMC.. Irreplaceable..