Date of Service:
May 15, 2021
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Hildie Anne Tripson died unexpectedly at home from natural causes on April 18th, 2021. She was born on June 6th, 1952 in Opalocka, Florida. She was a graduate of Winter Park High School and moved to Vero Beach in 1970. She instantly fell in love with the town, and not too long after met the love of her life, Mark Tripson, on a blind date. They were married at the Driftwood on July 20th, 1974.
Hildie was a talented businesswoman and operated a successful floral and plant business. She was ahead of her time, starting a plant rental business back in 1981 long before it became en vogue. She owned Waldo’s Garden Flower Shop and transitioned into the event venue business with Waldo’s Secret Garden in 2010. She has been creating centerpieces for the Ocean Grill for the past 30 years. Hildie cherished her 50+ year friendships with people in Vero, from her lunch crews, family crews, florist crews, wedding crews and cow crews, and would make them all feel so special. She lived for family values like loyalty, respect, and lots of love.
She volunteered with the Mental Health Crisis Line, was past president of the Indian River County Historical Society and served on the board for saving the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach. Hildie was a lifelong collector of all things, refusing to part with anything even when the American Pickers crew came calling. She loved caring for all living things; dogs, cats, fish, livestock, geese, pigs, goats, turtles, racoons, and possums and nursed many litters back to life right in her kitchen. Her door was always open to Friends old and new. Whether there was a crowd of 10 or 30, everyone felt welcomed, and no one left with an empty stomach.
Hildie was a devoted Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister … and treasured her role as Mimi to her five Grandchildren. She was a warhorse, always ready for battle. It has been said you would rather tangle with a tiger in a telephone booth than mess with her kids or grandkids. Between holidays and Wednesday night family dinners, she kept everyone together, even after Sam died. She never gave up, until her dying breath.
She is preceded in death by her Father (Donald David), Mother (Ann Stewart), Stepfather (Dr. Richard Stewart) and Son (Sam). Hildie is survived by her Husband Mark, Son Rob (Tiffany), Daughter Charlotte, Daughter-in-law, Kristen and Grandchildren Will, Isabella, Jack, Alice Ann, and Lillie Belle.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation a 501(c)(3) Donations can be sent to: PO Box 421929 Kissimmee, FL 34742
Please put “Hildie” in the memo line or donate online.
Or The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary 501(c)(3) 2500 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458
Please put “Hildie” in the memo line or donate online.
A Celebration of Hildie’s life will be held at Waldo’s Secret Garden (5000 12th Street Vero Beach, FL 32966) on Saturday May 15, 2021 at 4:00pm.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Lori Fink
April 23, 2021, 4:01 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Hildi was a one in a million woman who loved everyone she met….animal or human.
Chris Sexton - extended family member
April 23, 2021, 4:36 pm
Hildie, your love, strength, humor and graciousness will be remembered always. You have left a void in the family that I pray time can heal. I take solace in knowing that you are with your beloved Sam.
You will be missed!
Linda Taylor Kyzer
April 23, 2021, 5:04 pm
Sorry to hear about you loss. Praying for your family
Annemarie Rossmell
April 23, 2021, 5:15 pm
I had the pleasure of meeting this one of a kind Woman a few years ago. She was so humble and kind. She will be missed by many. The family, her friends were blessed for her in their lives. Hugs with strength to all. May she rest well.
Eldon and Lynn Lux. Megan Fussell - Friends
April 23, 2021, 5:22 pm
Our deepest condolences we always feel like extended family
Zander Neach
April 23, 2021, 5:25 pm
Dear Tripson family so sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers
Corby & Kim Durrell - Friend
April 23, 2021, 5:26 pm
A truly remarkable woman has gained her heavenly wings. She left her children, grandchildren, husband and friends with some amazing memories that will be cherished for all time. Our sincerest condolences.
Russell & Julie Poteat
April 23, 2021, 6:03 pm
The Poteat Family sends our deepest condolences for your loss. She will be truly missed by so many! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Anna Beers Sangbush
April 23, 2021, 6:57 pm
My deepest condolences to each of you for your loss. Sending so much love and many prayers at this time. #familiesareforever
Tammy Emanuel and Family - A Friend
April 23, 2021, 7:03 pm
Heldie was one special lady…She made her journey in life on this earth, count each and everyday…with kindness and LOVE, compassion and courage! To know her was to LOVE her!!! Sending special prayers and love to her family, hope that you’ll be comforted with her precious memories!!!
Sidney and Diane DuBose - Friends
April 23, 2021, 7:54 pm
We are so sorry to read, being we just spoke to Mark! Please accept our deepest condolences. Prayers for you are and your family.
Patricia Walker - Friend
April 23, 2021, 8:13 pm
I can remember sitting with her while we tried to figure something out. Those episodes often led to uncontrollable laughter. That’s what I’ll remember best….. the joy that remained even when things didn’t work out the way we wanted. There is a new star in the sky looking out for us and it’s name is Hildie. Her dance card will be full as she catches up with those who preceded her and fills them in on what they’ve missed. I was honored to call her friend and despite the time and distance I will miss her dreadfully. Hugs and peace Tripson family….
Nikki and Randy Glass
April 23, 2021, 9:17 pm
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Tripson family. She will be dearly missed by the entire town of Vero Beach.
Jackie Mulanax - Friend
April 23, 2021, 9:18 pm
Hildie radiated love and defined what a true friend is. Her Scottish roots emerged often with her attraction to the Highland Cows, her fierce love for her family, her reverence for the beauty of every living thing on this earth, and always speaking (and sometimes fighting for) her truth. No one can replace her in my heart and no words can ease the intense pain that Mark, Charlotte, Rob and Family and Kristan and family are experiencing. Praying that you all be surrounded by the wings of healing Angel’s.
Celina Dampier
April 23, 2021, 10:20 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. And prayers for your whole family.
Ronda Jackson - Friend
April 23, 2021, 11:21 pm
Sorry to be reading this. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark and Hildie years ago. They are both such wonderful people whom I really learned from. I hope the family finds peace in knowing the lives that she touched.
Teresa Rodgers
April 23, 2021, 11:35 pm
So sorry to hear of your loss Mark and family my thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Sean & Becci Jones Smith
April 24, 2021, 1:05 am
The Jones & Smith families send our love and prayers in this difficult time. May The Lord give you peace and mend your broken hearts. She will be missed by all!
Anna Martin - Friend
April 24, 2021, 3:14 am
So Very Sorry For Your Loss! Hildie Was Dynamic!! May Peace Be With The Tripson Family For You and Yours praying ~ ❤️ Michael and Anna Bergandi Martin
Cynthia Walker - Nana to our Grand children & Family
April 24, 2021, 4:52 am
Loved our MiMi loved every moment with her! Always worried about everyone but herself! Will be a Big void in our family!
Susan Cordova-Brusco - Friend
April 24, 2021, 5:27 am
Sending my thoughts, prayers, & Aloha for a strong wonderful family I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful & quite interesting lady. I remember her fondly ❤
Rita Burns - Friend
April 24, 2021, 9:28 am
Out thoughts and prayers are with Mark and family. May the wonderful memories of her beauty and your faith in God give you strength to carry on. Jerry and Rita Burns
Ellen Walker - Family Friend
April 24, 2021, 9:50 am
Dear Mark & Children I am so sorry for your loss❤️ I know it is not an easy road! All my love and blessings are with you❤️
Gail O Brown - acquaintance
April 24, 2021, 11:56 am
Buddy and I are so sorry to hear about Hildie. We are keeping the Sexton and Tripson families in our prayers.
Buddy and Kathy Emlet - Friend
April 24, 2021, 12:00 pm
Sending love, prayers and angels to surround Marc and the entire family Hilde was an awesome person ! Buddy and Kathy Emlet.
Lara Andrews
April 24, 2021, 12:39 pm
There are no words o how I will miss you! We are like soul sisters. I have never met someone who truly not only listened but felt every word another human being was saying. That’s what Made you unique but what made you amazing was your ability to take that and in an instant have a life story, or quote or a funny statement to put everything back into perspective. I love you and will forever miss you! You truly and forever be in my heart.
Penny Norris - friend
April 24, 2021, 3:22 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. Hildie was a positive force and will be missed.
Linda Meeks - Friend
April 24, 2021, 3:57 pm
Mark, family..may your heart and soul have peace and be comforted from the beautiful life Hildie shared with so many. Memories come flooding back in the most beautiful ways when we most need them, and they truly live in your heart forever. God bless.
Ken - Friend
April 25, 2021, 2:17 am
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Miss Hildie. She was a force in our community and her strong presence will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers for the Tripson and Sexton families and their loved ones. Much love from Ken & Deborah Daige
Alan and Pam Rudd
April 25, 2021, 3:10 am
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. May God surround you with comfort and peace. So very sorry for your loss. The family has always made us feel welcome at the times we were at Waldo’s Secret Garden. Will keep you all in prayer.
Eugene J. O'Neill - Friend
April 25, 2021, 12:26 pm
Mark & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. As you know, Hilde was a very special person and community servant. She will be missed.
Barbara Schlitt Ford - Community member
April 25, 2021, 5:17 pm
Our heartfelt condolences from the Schlitt family to the Tripson family. Hildie leaves behind a lasting legacy – a zest for life, a creative, loving, fun, entrepreneurial spirit; a caretaker of people, flora and fauna, a maker of magic and memories. A life we can all aspire to. While knowing that the connection will live on, her uniqueness makes the loss more poignant. You are in our thoughts during this time of deep loss.
Barbara Mohler
April 25, 2021, 6:00 pm
Mark, Rob and Charlotte, you are in my prayers. Hilde was a ray of sunshine! I know your loss is enormous. God bless you and your entire family!
SHERRI SPROCH - Business colleague
April 26, 2021, 2:55 am
My sincere condolences to Hildie’s family. She was such a talented lady who I greatly admired in the floral industry. May God give all of you strength and ease your heartfelt grief.
David Williams
April 26, 2021, 12:29 pm
My condolences to the Tripson family. Hilde will be truly missed in our community. God bless you all.
Jim Russakis & Cindy Partin - Friend
April 26, 2021, 1:39 pm
Dear Mark & Family, It has been such a joy in our lives to know Hildie. She has been a light in this community, and still is. There are no words for this sudden loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jim Russakis & Cindy Partin & Family
Beverly Tyson - Friend and coworker at IRC Historical Society
April 26, 2021, 4:23 pm
Dear Mark and Family, My deepest sympathies to you in your sudden and great loss…. Hilde was an amazing person and will be greatly missed by so many. With love, Beverly Tyson
Maria Rorick - Friend
April 26, 2021, 8:18 pm
I have never met a better person then hilde it is so sad to see her go prayers for the family
Val and Doug Anderson - Bruno - friend
April 27, 2021, 11:57 am
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Hildie was a treasure and will be missed.
Bubba and Sherry Haffield - Friends
April 27, 2021, 3:23 pm
Dear Mark and family, please accept our sincere condolences. We pray God will give your family peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Wendy Gardiner - - Friend of Rob & Tiffany
May 10, 2021, 5:14 pm
Dear Mr. Tripson and Family – There are no perfect words of comfort during this difficult time. May God walk beside you and your family and provide you all with Love, Strength and Peace. My prayers to each and every family member and friend of Hildie’s. She truly provided laughter and love. God Bless!
Ruth Carter - Friend
May 12, 2021, 6:54 am
We are so very sorry for your great loss of Hildie. She will be greatly missed by us all. Many prayers and much love for peace and comfort to the entire Tripson family. Sincerely, Marvin and Ruth Carter
STEPHEN GIFFORD - friend
May 13, 2021, 8:54 pm
In Loving Memory of Hildie Sexton: For a Mourner
I’m sorry for your loss; it’s really rough on you. But when you trust the Lord, His love will see you through. He cares and shares your grief; He lightens heavy loads; He’ll walk with you along life’s roughest rocky roads. In love with you and yours, He’ll help you bear your cross …and grant His grace, so you can brave your deepest loss. So be courageous, take a breath and lift a prayer; the Lord is ever-faithful, He will always care.