Hilda Otowadjiwan

Hilda was born on April 29, 1944, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to Theresa (nee Wassegiijig) and Lawrence Lewis (Otowadjiwan). She graduated from Loretto Catholic Central High School, Class of 1962. She married the late Wayne Tadgerson, and together, they raised their family in Negaunee. When her children were grown, Hilda returned to school and earned her Early Child Development degree from Northern Michigan University, Class of 1997.

Hilda, Niigaanigiizhigokwe (Leading the Day Woman) was a proud member of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Hilda enjoyed spending time with her family and was an avid harvester and gardener. She was an expert crafter in beadwork, basket making, quillwork, leatherwork, and sewing. All of her crafts were lovingly gifted to family and friends. She looked forward to attending the annual family moose hunting trip in Canada. Hilda loved hosting and cooking for her family every holiday and family gathering. She followed her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sports and extracurricular activities until her recent illness.

Surviving are her children: Cheryl (Dave) Bernier of Brimley, Aaron (Teresa) Tadgerson of Brimley, Lynn (April) Tadgerson of Negaunee, Danny (Terri) Tadgerson of Brimley, Patrick (Tammy) Tadgerson of Brimley, Jimmy (JoAnn) Tadgerson of Negaunee, Jennie (Errol) Lukkarinen of Negaunee, Dennis (Tasha) Tadgerson of Marquette, Carrie Hale of Sault Ste. Marie, and Raymond (Jessie) Tadgerson of Reno, Nevada; two brothers: Chet (Peggy) Lewis of Westerville, OH, and Richard (Stephanie) Lewis of Sault Ste. Marie; sister-in-law, Joan Lewis of Front Royal, VA; and twenty-five grandchildren, thirty-six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Hilda is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Michael Tadgerson; and two brothers, Kenny and Byron Lewis.

A traditional fire has been lit at Hilda’s home, 174 Valley Rd., Negaunee.Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Koskey Funeral Home and continue throughout the night.

Traditional Native American services will be held at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, before burial services in the Negaunee Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Negaunee Elks. Hilda’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.