On Tuesday, May 11, 2010, Hildegarde Goss, 93, died of natural causes at Hamlet House on Lopez Island.

She is survived by her nieces, Christine Dahl-Sesby of Friday Harbor, Patricia Topper of Emmitsburg, Md., and her nephew, Derek Valley of Olympia. She was predeceased by her husband of more than 60 years, William Goss; her sister, Lillie Ericson; and her brother, Bertil Valley.

Hildegarde engaged a large community of friends with her art, activism, love of learning, and her passion for color and colorful people. She will long be remembered for her love of animals, a frequent theme in her paintings.

Amy Hildegard Valley was born Sept. 3, 1916 in Los Angeles, Calif. to Swedish emigrant parents. As a child, she traveled between Hollywood and the family farm in Sweden. Later, she lived there for five years attending boarding school.

For four years, Hildegard was personal masseuse to Sonja Henie, the Olympic ice skater and actress. During this time in Hollywood, she began her lifelong involvement in art classes.

She was treasured as a mentor, teacher, guide, auxiliary parent and intimate friend.

She will be missed for her formidable and colorful presence, including her purple hats and sunrise-colored clothing. We can rest assured that, by now, she has rendered heaven a more colorful place.

All are welcome to attend the memorial on Sunday, June 13 at 5 p.m. at Lopez Community Center.

Contributions in remembrance of Hildegarde can be made to Lopez Housing Options, P.O. Box 785, Lopez, WA. 98261.

Submitted by the family of Hildegarde Goss. Photo by Summer Moon Scriver.