Hildegard (Gutzmann) Stephans

Hildegard Stephans, 83, of Telford, formerly a long-time resident of Sellersville, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2011, in the Lutheran Community at Telford. She was the beloved wife of the late Jonathan E. Stephans for over 20 years until his death in 1985.

Born in Teupitz, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Albert F. W. and Gisela (Hanschmann) Gutzmann.

Hildy was a graduate of Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University), Montreal, Canada, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She received a Master’s degree in Library Science from Drexel University, Philadelphia, and was also a graduate of the School of Languages and Linguistics of Georgetown University, Washington, DC.

Employed by the American Philosophical Society (APS), Philadelphia, for 33 years until her retirement in 1993, Mrs. Stephans was a highly-respected librarian. After retiring, she volunteered at the APS until 2009.

Her contributions to the academic world of historical research were numerous, having compiled various research aides for the APS archives. Many international scholars and authors have acknowledged her expertise and assistance in their published works.

Professionally, Hildy was a member of the American Library Association, the American Translators Association, the German Society of Philadelphia, and the National Braille Association.

Mrs. Stephans was also awarded membership into Beta Phi Mu, an international honor society for library and information studies. Their motto, "consumed in the service of others," truly demonstrates how Hildy lived her life, donating her time and talents as a community volunteer.

She served as treasurer and co-chairperson of the Sellersville Historical and Achievement Authority, the governing body of the Sellersville Museum. Devoted to the Museum’s mission of preserving her community’s heritage, she was always willing to help fellow volunteers archive materials in the Museum’s collection and answer visitors’ questions.

A woman of great faith, Hildegard was a long-time active member of St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sellersville, where she served as the church archivist and historian for many years, helping office administrators update and maintain membership databases. A founding member of the congregation’s Schulmerich handbell choir, she was also elected to church council and served as CROP Walk coordinator. She performed altar care duties and also volunteered as an usher, greeter, and guest book attendant.

Hildy also served as secretary for the Sellersville Cemetery Corporation. During her tenure, she helped to establish more accurate, accessible records now available to genealogists on the cemetery’s website.

She was a devoted bibliophile, always reading and collecting books to expand her knowledge of the world. She also enjoyed opera, traveling, creating origami, and making and collecting miniature furniture. She would often be seen taking walks in Sellersville and Perkasie with her friends.

Hildy was a role model for the countless lives that she touched. Her quiet, humble, and modest approach to living life was an inspiration to all who loved her and knew her best.

Mrs. Stephans is survived by her son, Christopher Stephans, of Wichita, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Heidi Gutzmann, of Berlin, Germany; and several cousins and nephews residing in Germany and Switzerland.

In addition to her husband, Hildegard was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Wolfgang Gutzmann, of Berlin, Germany.

Her Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, in St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25 East Church Street, Sellersville, PA 18960. There are no calling hours. The family will greet friends after the service.

Interment will follow in Sellersville Cemetery.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Hildegard’s name to the American Anti-Vivisection Society, 801 Old York Road, Suite 204, Jenkintown, PA 19046-1611.