Hildie Anne Tripson
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Hildie Anne Tripson died unexpectedly at home from natural causes on April 18th, 2021. She was born on June 6th, 1952 in Opalocka, Florida. She was a graduate of Winter Park High School and moved to Vero Beach in 1970. She instantly fell in love with the town, and not too long after met the love of her life, Mark Tripson, on a blind date. They were married at the Driftwood on July 20th, 1974.
Hildie was a talented businesswoman and operated a successful floral and plant business. She was ahead of her time, starting a plant rental business back in 1981 long before it became en vogue. She owned Waldo's Garden Flower Shop and transitioned into the event venue business with Waldo's Secret Garden in 2010. She has been creating centerpieces for the Ocean Grill for the past 30 years. Hildie cherished her 50+ year friendships with people in Vero, from her lunch crews, family crews, florist crews, wedding crews and cow crews, and would make them all feel so special. She lived for family values like loyalty, respect, and lots of love.
She volunteered with the Mental Health Crisis Line, was past president of the Indian River County Historical Society and served on the board for saving the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach. Hildie was a lifelong collector of all things, refusing to part with anything even when the American Pickers crew came calling. She loved caring for all living things; dogs, cats, fish, livestock, geese, pigs, goats, turtles, racoons, and possums and nursed many litters back to life right in her kitchen. Her door was always open to Friends old and new. Whether there was a crowd of 10 or 30, everyone felt welcomed, and no one left with an empty stomach.
Hildie was a devoted Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister ... and treasured her role as Mimi to her five Grandchildren. She was a warhorse, always ready for battle. It has been said you would rather tangle with a tiger in a telephone booth than mess with her kids or grandkids. Between holidays and Wednesday night family dinners, she kept everyone together, even after Sam died. She never gave up, until her dying breath.
She is preceded in death by her Father (Donald David), Mother (Ann Stewart), Stepfather (Dr. Richard Stewart) and Son (Sam). Hildie is survived by her Husband Mark, Son Rob (Tiffany), Daughter Charlotte, Daughter-in-law, Kristen and Grandchildren Will, Isabella, Jack, Alice Ann, and Lillie Belle.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting The Florida Cattlemen's Foundation a 501(c)(3) Donations can be sent to: PO Box 421929 Kissimmee, FL 34742
Please put "Hildie" in the memo line or donate online.
Or The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary 501(c)(3) 2500 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458
Please put "Hildie" in the memo line or donate online.
A celebration of Hildie's life will be held at Waldo's Secret Garden (5000 12th Street Vero Beach, FL 32966) on Saturday May 15, 2021 at 4:00pm.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook is available at www.lowtherfamily.com.