Hildegard B. Schnabl

Hildegard Barbara Schnabl, of Newark, New York, passed away on October 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family she treasured so deeply.

Born on November 28, 1935, in Tholey, Germany, Hildegard was the daughter of Johann and Barbara Terres. She lived a life defined by kindness, compassion, family, and love. She had a remarkable way of making everyone she met feel welcomed and cared for—as though they, too, were part of her family. To those who knew and loved her, she truly seemed like an angel sent from Heaven.

Hildegard shared more than 67 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Albert Schnabl, whom she married on April 1, 1959. Their enduring love could be seen in the simplest and sweetest moments of everyday life. They loved taking evening walks together with their dog, often hand in hand. And at the end of each day, after more than six decades of marriage, Hildegard and Albert still went to sleep holding hands—a beautiful reflection of the love and companionship they shared throughout their life together.

She is survived by her husband, Albert; her beloved sister, Ursel Hoff of Tholey, Germany; her sons, Eric (Tanya) Schnabl and Mark (Gail) Schnabl; and her granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Sydney Schnabl, who brought tremendous joy to her life.

Hildegard worked for many years as an upholsterer, first for Hallagan Furniture and then for Ethan Allen, until her retirement. Away from work, she found happiness in the quiet pleasures of everyday life. She was an avid reader and puzzle enthusiast and had a special love for animals, particularly her beloved companion dogs throughout the years and, more recently, her special “grandpup,” Bennie.

Family was at the heart of Hildegard’s life. She cherished family gatherings and especially loved spending time with her sons and grandchildren. She took great joy in welcoming relatives from Germany into her home and in traveling back to Germany to visit family, particularly her beloved sister, Ursel. She also appreciated one of life’s loveliest simple rituals—sitting down in the middle of the afternoon for coffee and dessert with family and friends.

Hildegard will be remembered for her gentle heart, her caring nature, and the love she so freely gave to others. She made people feel comfortable, included, and loved. Her compassion was genuine, her kindness came naturally, and her family always knew how deeply they were cherished.

In the days before her passing, Hildegard shared a simple reflection that beautifully captured the way she lived and loved: “The best part of life is the kisses.”

For a woman whose life was filled with affection, family, companionship, and love, there could perhaps be no more fitting final wisdom.

Her family will miss her beyond measure, but the love she gave so generously will remain—in every family gathering, every afternoon cup of coffee and something sweet, every walk hand in hand, every beloved dog curled up nearby, and in the quiet comfort of reaching for the hand of the person you love at the end of the day. Most of all, in every kiss shared with someone we love.

A private service celebrating Hildegard’s life will be held by the family.