Hildegard "Hilda" Pelger, age 80, died on July 9, 2012 under the care of Hospice of Savannah and Azalealand Nursing Home.

She was born on September 13, 1931 in Luckenwalde, Germany to Margaret and Josef Oswald. It was here that she grew up and relocated after her high school graduation to Berlin after the end of World War II. There she met Andrew "Andy" Pelger and it was not long before the two were married in November, 1950. Together they set upon their journey to create a new life in America. They began in Toronto, Canada and in 1956 relocated to Cleveland, Ohio; finally settling in Lyndhurst, Ohio where they raised their family. Hilda's mother was widowed during the war and Hilda and Andy sent for her to live with them in their new home. She became a permanent member of their family, providing comfort and care for the family throughout her entire life.

After mastering the English language, Hilda obtained her cosmetologist license and worked for Wesley's Salon in Shaker Heights, Ohio for 20 years. She was an exceptional stylist, having won several awards in hair color and design.

Hilda and Andy attended Messiah Lutheran Church and were active members of the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons.

In 1976, Hilda and Andy embarked on the second half of their journey relocating to Savannah, Georgia where Andy continued his career with Gulfstream Aerospace and Hilda continued her career as the owner of her own salon, Lord and Lady Windsor.

Before her illness, Hilda was an energetic walker and loved to ride her bike throughout her life. She also enjoyed baking for her family and her clients. Every Christmas you could count on "Hilda's array of 10 plus variety of tasty cookies tray", all handmade and shared with all throughout the holiday season.

Hilda was filled with compassion and interest in others. In all venues of her life, people would remark on her kind and caring nature. Even on the most difficult days, her presence made life easier for everyone around her.

Hilda's nurturing nature extended to a tender heart for all animals. She had spent many painstaking hours tending to the needs of her dog and cats, and mending the wounds of many creatures from a flying squirrel to a pigeon that no longer could fly. Every creature that had the opportunity to be under her care was named "Lucky" and indeed they were.

Hilda is survived by her sister, Irene Oswald, her son Andrew Pelger Tricia, her daughter Gabriela K. Jarrell Charles "Jay", her grandchildren, Abigail and Rennan Pelger, and her nieces, Olga Henning Danny and Erna Altmeppen Josef.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Organization can be made through alz.org or to any wildlife society would also be an appropriate and appreciated way to celebrate her love of animals.

Hilda's life will be celebrated later in a small family service in Germany.