Hilderbrand

On Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, Sandra D. Swigart Hilderbrand, 87, most recently of Benbrook Place, and Chestnut Grove, passed from this earthly home, and joined her beloved Carl, husband of 60 years, in her heavenly home.

Sandy was born to Abraham M. Swigart and Sarah Elizabeth Flick Swigart on Aug. 13, 1939, in a little company town of Yellowdog, Pa., near Worthington. She is survived by her sister, Emma Grace Swigart Protzman, of Butler; brother, Donald (Sterling) Swigart, of Arizona; and sister-in-law, Sally Swigart, of Fenelton.

She is also survived by her niece, Sandra Protzman-Cook and her husband, Kenneth, and their daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Cook, whom she looked upon as her own children.

Also surviving is Carl’s niece, whom she loved dearly, Kimberly and her husband, Herb Scribner. She also is survived by nieces and nephews, Harley (LeEtta) Swigart, Laura (William) Harrison, Denise (Edward) Swigart, Yvonne (Jerry) Kaczmarczyk, Sherry Brinager and Thomas (Jenette) Swigart.

For the past two years, two angels, Teresa Wach and Kim Laidlaw, began as caregivers for Sandy, but soon became part of the family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl T. Hilderbrand, whom she married on Aug. 26, 1961, he passed away on June 15, 2021. She also was preceded in death by her twin brothers, Robert and William Swigart; nephew; Matthew C. Protzman; and niece, Selena Dufala.

In her early years, you could find her driving around with Loretta and Mary, enjoying life. At age 18, she got a job in Butler at Butler Savings and Trust and began a 30-year career in banking. After her retirement from what is now NexTier, she began the career she always dream of, being a teacher. She worked for Butler Area School District, primarily at Broad Street Elementary School as a paraprofessional. Her greatest joy was watching the children learn to read and she was their biggest cheerleader.

On a more personal note, Sandy was a friend to everyone and everyone wanted to be her friend. A quote from someone, “She oozes goodness.” Sandy cared deeply about people and could befriend anyone in a matter of minutes. She was truly one of sweetest, caring and loving grand ladies. She has left behind a legacy of graciousness, generosity, hospitality and kindness.

We are grateful to the entire, amazing staff of Benbrook Place for making the last few weeks, her very best throughout this last accident.

Sandy was member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

HILDERBRAND — Family and friends of Sandra D. Swigart Hilderbrand, who died Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, will be welcomed and received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, in the chapel at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 201 W. Jefferson St., Butler.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in the church sanctuary.

She will be laid to rest with her husband, Carl, at the North Side Cemetery in Butler.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in her memory be made to the school at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 330 Hannahstown Road, Cabot, PA 16023. This was near and dear to her heart as they gave her nieces, Sarah and Jalaine, one of the best foundations.

Arrangements are under the direction of MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.