Obituary of Margaret Hedwig Vila

Margaret “Hedy” Vila

Hedy died peacefully in her sleep Sunday, September 10, 2023 at the age of 90, at her Mill Creek, WA residence.

Hedy was born July 9, 1933 in Kingsville, Ontario, Canada. She excelled in school and pursued a degree at Assumption College, Windsor, Ontario. She interned as Medical Technologist at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI then worked at St. John Hospital in Detroit. In 1957, early in her career, mom and her good friend adventured by car across the American West. When they reached Seattle, they found jobs at Doctor's Hospital on First Hill (now Swedish). She soon met our dad, José, who lived in the same Capitol Hill apartment building. Mom and dad married in 1960 in mom's hometown. Hedy and Jose were happily married until dad's death in 2006. They raised their children in North Seattle (St. Luke's Parish), and Edmonds (Holy Rosary Parish). Mom returned to med-tech work in the late 1970s at Evergreen Hospital, Kirkland, WA. In retirement they lived in Mill Creek with their dogs, traveled, and volunteered together. Mom enjoyed gardening, travel, community service, and her many good friends; she was committed to her Catholic faith and her faith community; and mostly she loved her family deeply.

Hedy is survived by her children: Elisa Vila, Jose (Lydia Hatch) Vila, Clare (Kurt) Nance, and Marie Vila; and three grandchildren: Jacob Brady, Patrick Brady, and Carley Nance. Hedy is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Matthew Dorn, and her dear sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" and Michael Morouse.

A funeral mass will be held October 2, 2023, 11 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2316 180th St. SE, Mill Creek, WA. A reception will follow at the church hall. A Rosary will be held before mass, at 10am.

We are heartbroken but heartened knowing that mom made such a positive impact on the people around her.  We will miss her immensely and will carry her inspiration forward in our lives.