Grace Bertram Hilder, 92 of St. Mary's County, MD died on September 13, 2009 in Charlottesville, VA. She was born on January 4, 1917 in Portland, NY, the daughter of the late Francis and Donna Bertram.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Robert Alan Hilder.

She is survived by two daughters; Marjorie Conrath and husband Barney of Charlottesville, VA and Janet Fiackos and husband George of St. Mary's City, MD, six grandchildren; Peter Fiackos and wife Charlene, Ann Zum Brunnen and husband Stephen, Gregory Fiackos and wife Debbie, Fred Conrath, Lisa Summers and husband, John and Susan Albaugh and husband David, twelve great-grandchildren; Robert and Gregory Fiackos, Carlee and Caroline Loescher, Zachary and Luke Zum Brunnen, Emily and Andrew Fiackos, Ryan and Jacob Conrath, Daniel Summers and Alexander Albaugh. She was also the beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Mary's City, MD and served on the altar guild. In 1978, she and Barbara Townsend co-founded the Mulberry Shoppe; a gift shop operated by the church and managed it for over 20 years. Her beautiful needlework can be seen throughout the church.

A Lifetime Member of the St. Mary's County Garden Club, she was known for her award winning flower arrangements, several of which were featured in the National Federation of Gardens Club's calendars. She participated in many of the club's service projects in the community. She sewed costumes for the Historic St. Mary's City Foundation. She served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for many years.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church, where a Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend John Ball officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Grace B. Hilder Memorial Fund, c/o Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 207, St. Mary's City, MD 20686.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.