Hilda Nadia Hadawi Whipple, age 84, passed away on January 23, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones. Hilda was born in Jerusalem, Palestine on January 9, 1940, to the late Edward Hadawi and Carmel Bedrossian Hadawi. Just over one year later, her brother Albert L Hadawi, was born. The family moved to the Old City, Jerusalem after what is known as the Palestinian Tragedy of 1948 (Nakba). In first grade, Hilda attended an all-French school, where only the French language was spoken. This was the beginning of her love for the language. Hilda continued her education in Jerusalem until the family moved to Toronto, Ontario Canada in 1957.
Fluent in three languages, Arabic, English, and French, Hilda pursued degrees in French and Education. Hilda attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan where she graduated in 1963 with her Bachelor of Arts in French. She received her teaching certificate from Kansas State College in 1964. After moving to Eugene, Oregon, she endeavored to continue her education at the University of Oregon where she earned her Master of Education in 1973.
Meanwhile, Hilda began teaching at Spencer Butte Middle School in Eugene and did so for several years. After a short tenure at Sheldon High School, she took a position as Foreign Language teacher at Churchill High School. There, she taught with excellence and enthusiasm for the remainder of her career. Beloved by students, many of whom she took on trips to France, Hilda instilled a greater appreciation for the French language, culture, and country. She attributed her fascination with French to three things: the beauty of the language, the richness of the culture, and the many doors that the language opened for her, allowing her to experience a variety of cultures.
Hilda belonged to several professional societies including the Oregon Foreign Language Council, Committee on Basic Standards of Achievement, the Oregon Foreign Language Teachers and the State Department of Education, the Eugene Education Association Representative Council, the Board of the Oregon Chapter of American Association of Teachers of French, and Chairperson of the 1978 National French Contest of the State of Oregon.
She was not only an educator by profession and at heart, but Hilda was a life-long learner. Highly intellectual, she read extensively, including books and newspapers from around the world. She also treasured taking time to learn about people as she enjoyed a wide group of friends, including former students, in whom she invested her time and care. As a Christian, Hilda was a faithful member and supporter of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of Eugene. She also supported the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice, which is an organization that meant a lot to her, as a proud, Palestinian Christian. Hilda had a fond appreciation for the Arts and was a patron of the Eugene Symphony for many years. She was enthusiastic about University of Oregon football and could be found passionately cheering on the Ducks in the stands with friends at Autzen Stadium and later, from her living room.
Hilda had high standards for her students as well as herself. As an accomplished, well-spoken woman, she pursued excellence, was meticulous with details, and held in high esteem those who showed genuine consideration for others. Like many dedicated teachers, she knew how to encourage with praise and adulation from the heart. Those who knew her well, remember her regal nature, her exceeding kindness, as well as her sly sense of humor and spice.
Hilda loved spending time at the Oregon Coast over the years in addition to much-anticipated summer drives up the mountains, through McKenzie Pass. She enjoyed frequenting her favorite local eateries with friends including Marché at 5th Street and SweetWaters on the River, at Valley River Inn.
Though Hilda was a private person in many ways, she was an important part of her community and her loss will be deeply felt. She is survived by many friends and family whose lives she blessed by her generosity, consideration, grace and love.