Mary Hilda Wurdinger, 87, of Woodburn, OR, passed away on January 14, 2025, after battling dementia and heart complications. She was surrounded by the love of her family.

Mary was born on May 11, 1937, in Granville, IA, to Greg and Melinda Schemmel. When she was just seven months old, her family moved to Silverton, OR, where she grew up. She graduated from Mt. Angel. Academy in 1955 and later earned her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in 1993, from Marylhurst University, exemplifying her dedication to lifelong learning, her love for reading and the arts.

In November of 1956, Mary married the love of her life, Howard Wurdinger. Together, they purchased a 20-acre farm in Woodburn, where they raised their ten children. Mary and Howard shared 59 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2016. She was devoted to her family and worked tirelessly as the bookkeeper for their hog farm while raising their 10 children.

Mary was an avid gardener who found joy in hybridizing daffodils, primroses, and all aspects of gardening. She loved sewing clothes for her five daughters, quilting, crocheting, and embroidering. Her creativity and love for nature were evident in everything she did.

Mary was deeply committed to her faith and community. She was a long-time member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Silverton, OR, and actively participated in numerous organizations, including the National Farmers Organization (NFO), St. Paul Rodeo Association, Oregon Pork Producers, Mt. Angel Garden Club, Primrose Society, Marion County Livestock Association, Woodburn School District Budget Committee, Countless hours reviewing foster and child abuse cases as part of the Marion County Citizens Review Board, donation to the American Red Cross of 17 gallons of blood. Her volunteer work and dedication to her community left a lasting impact.

Mary is survived by her children: Anthony (Karen) Wurdinger, Walter Wurdinger, Jeff (Marlene) Wurdinger, Cindy (Steven) Wurdinger-Ancell, Melinda (Edward) Kintz, Gretchen (Stephen) Gaydos, Sid (Angela) Wurdinger, Amy (Cam) Ferschweiler, and Heidi (Michael) Williams; her 27 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and her sisters Alice Engelman and Shirley Fogerty her brother Greg Schemmel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Wurdinger; her son, Howard Jr. (Gloria) Wurdinger; and her grandchild, Matthew Wurdinger.

A Rosary will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church in Silverton, OR, on Monday, January 20, at 7:00 pm with viewing starting at 6:15. A Catholic Funeral Mass will follow on Tuesday, January 21, at 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, with interment at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Silverton, OR.

Mary Hilda Wurdinger will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her boundless love for her family and community, and her remarkable dedication to service. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.