Claudia Deering Hilko

Obituary for Claudia Deering Hilko

On 26 May 2026, Claudia Deering Hilko, mother, dancer, physiotherapist, and beloved wife, passed away at age 77 at Scott’s House, Santa Fe.

Claudia was born on 08 May 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, growing up in Wheaton, Illinois and Hopewell, New Jersey. Claudia attended North Carolina University in Chapel Hill, NC. There she met and married Robert A. Hilko (Bob), who became her loving husband in 1976, and they danced together through life. They raised their son, Rob, and daughter, Meg, in Los Alamos, NM where Claudia resided until she passed.

Claudia was ever strong, and she knew how to walk with patience. Her grateful heart was infectious, and she saw dignity and humanity in all. She loved fiercely, protective and supportive even through trying times, always able to see the best in everyone.

Claudia was an avid member of the folk dance and round dance communities. She was not only a regular at Tuesday night dancing, but traveled the world learning dances and making friends wherever she went. Ever the inquisitive, Claudia was a student for life, dabbling long past retirement into all sorts of subjects from astrophysics to music and culture. She was an avid quilter and embroiderer with a creative streak that found outlets in all aspects of her life. A true lover of the outdoors and horticulture, she enjoyed hiking, biking, sailing, canoeing, and trying her hand at just about everything she could.

Claudia was known for her unrelenting giving heart. Whether she was leading Scout troops, giving time through Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteering at the United Church, or just providing meals or homemade gifts in challenging times for friends and family, she always made time to help. Her big heart continued through her work, supporting the community with her physical therapist skills and praised by the doctors and patients who worked with her.

Claudia’s life has been full of flowers, movement, and a raucous enjoyment of the better things life has to offer. Claudia leaves us with an empty space in our hearts, but emboldens us to live life on our terms to the fullest, with love and laughter and light.

She is survived by her family, husband Robert Alexander Hilko, son Robert Deering Hilko and Margery Rightmire Hilko, as well as her sister Carol, brother Tom, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donations in Claudia’s honour can be made to the ACLU or Scott’s House.