Dorothy Hildebrandt

Dorothy Marie Hildebrandt, age 93, died peacefully on Mother's Day, May 8, 2011, at HospiceCare surrounded by loving family. Dorothy was born on June 3, 1917 to Edward Corcoran and Ruth Harrison, both deceased. She was raised by her father and step-mother, Hazel Mason Corcoran, also deceased. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Glen ""Bill"" (Virginia) and Earl ""Buzz"" (Lu). For many years they all ran a popular westside neighborhood meeting place, Corcoran's Tavern on old University Avenue.

Dorothy married Vincent Hildebrandt (now deceased) on November 25, 1939 and is survived by a son, Joe (Bev) Hildebrandt of Waunakee and a daughter, Pat O'Shea of Boynton Beach, Florida; three granddaughters, Kat O'Shea of Madison, Valerie (Jeff) Wulf of Waunakee, Tiffany (Nate) Wilke of Beaver Dam, one grandson, Derek (Ashley) Hildebrandt of Redondo Beach, California, and four Corcoran nephews, Gordon (Shirley), Ed (Diane), Jim (Bonnie), and Tom ""Hop"" (Marlene). She especially enjoyed great-grandchildren, Sabrina and Jarrett Wulf, and Eli, Manny and Abe Wilke, teaching them cards and other games, having overnights and attending their sport and recital events. Dorothy had a great time for many years bowling with the Pines Women's team at the Middleton Sport Bowl and later as a long-time member of the Lake Wisconsin Country Club where she loved the double euchre games with her many friends. She was a fulltime stay-at-home Mom for many years until she went to work for Gimbels when they opened their store in Hilldale, and worked there until she retired. Besides Madison, she and Vince lived in Ohio and New York, and traveled after they retired. They enjoyed becoming snowbirds and spent winters with good friends in Florida each year. Dorothy was a wise, quick-witted, funny good friend to one and all and was loved by many friends and those in her extended family. She will certainly be missed.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Walnut Grove, the nursing staff of Meriter Hospital, Drs. Hyzer and Therlow, and the staff of the Fitchburg Hospice Care facility.

A visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home at 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Sunday, May 15, 2011 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, with a brief memorial service at 3:00. A separate celebration of her life will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 on June 5, 2011 at 6160 Briggs Road, Waunakee. To view and sign a guestbook, please visit www.cressfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her great-grandson's medical website, www.mannywilke.com.