Leslie Margaret Hildebrand

Leslie Margaret Hildebrand, of Norway, SC, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on March 27, 2024, after a long battle with failing health and a steep decline the last few days of her life. Born January 29, 1955 in Aiken, SC to Charles and Dorothy Hildebrand, she was the third of four children. She’s survived by her sisters, Marta (Bob) Bradford , and Lisa (Rosario) Cecchini , a daughter, Joy (Ron) McClure, grandchildren Chelsea Cochran, Lauren McClure, “Austin” Linley and Gavin McClure, and great grandchildren Sawyer Linley and Bailey Linley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Douglas (Donna) Hildebrand, and her loving parents. The love she had for her immediate and extended family knew no bounds and she called them her “best friends”. The only greater love in her life was God, whom she praised every day. After graduating from Wade Hampton High School, she attended the College Of Charleston, majoring in Biology. She had aspirations of becoming a nurse before becoming ill during her junior year. As a skilled pianist, she loved playing hymns, and in her twenties, Leslie accompanied the pastor to play for prisoners as part of a prison ministry in Augusta, GA. After moving back to Norway, SC, she played piano at her church for many years. Her other talents included crocheting, art, and flower arranging. She especially loved to give handmade crochet items as gifts to everyone she knew. Perhaps her greatest talent was her ability to accept the most difficult of circumstances with a smile, gentle strength and faith. Whether it was being diagnosed with breast cancer twice or as her heart failed, she accepted the news with a soft smile and said, “Ok… What do I need to do?” She never felt sorry for herself or feared the possible outcome. Though she loved life and found peace and happiness in simple every day things, she never feared the end of her life either. Everyone, who cared for her was in awe of her positivity, strength and faith. As her spirit now joins her father, mother, and brother, her earthly body will be laid to rest beside her parents at Willow Swamp Baptist cemetery at 1956 Willow Swamp Rd, Norway, SC 29113. A Graveside service will be held at 11am on April 1, 2024, with Pastor Bud Judy officiating.