Weiler—Hedwig (Hedi) Mary Weiler, 87, on December 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. She was born on October 2, 1934, to Katerine and Jakob Weiler in Zombor, Hungary (currently Sombor, Serbia). Her family belonged to the large population of ethnic Germans who had lived in Eastern Europe for many generations. In the waning months of World War II, Hedi, her mother, and her younger sister fled their home in Hungary to escape the advancing Russian Army. In September 1946, at the age of 12, Hedi, with her mother and sister, immigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago, Ill. Her experience of being a refugee had a profound impact. She never took for granted the opportunities available to her in the United States.
In 1956, Hedi graduated from the Grant Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree from DePaul University. Hedi was married for 12 years, during which time she and her husband lived on a farm near Marinette, Wis. Hedi worked as a hospital nursing supervisor. In 1972, she moved to Madison, Wis., earning her master’s degree in mental health/psychiatric nursing in 1974. She became a board certified advanced practice registered nurse, as well as a licensed certified social worker.
In 1990, Hedi founded the Psychosynthesis Center of Wisconsin, and later was a cofounder of the Center for Awakening of Wisconsin. Hedi was actively involved with the international Association for the Advancement of Psychosynthesis (AAP). She served on its Steering Committee from 2003 to 2009, and made numerous presentations at AAP conferences.
Hedi was a teacher and mentor, eagerly sharing her wisdom, insights, and questions. A lifelong learner with a keen intellect and an explorer’s spirit, she delved into a wide-ranging array of interests: politics, health, quantum theory, wisdom teachings, Rummikub, and more. She saw life as a magnificent journey full of purpose and meaning.
As a young adult, Hedi was a fervent believer and strong defender of the Catholicism in which she had been raised. Later, after spending time at Meditation Mount in Ojai, Calif., she became a lifelong student of ancient wisdom teachings. She traveled to India to spend time at an ashram.
In 2005, Hedi moved to Charlotte, N.C., to be with her sister, Hildie, who was an active member of Charlotte Meeting. Hildie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died in 2009.
Hedi became a member of Charlotte Meeting in 2011. She was a consistent presence at meetings for worship. Hedi delighted in being active in the life of the meeting, creating welcoming spaces during fellowship and through Care Circles, serving on committees and actively participating in Friendly Eights groups. She was always seeking opportunities to deepen the spiritual life of the meeting.
Just as she opened her heart, Hedi also opened her home, regularly inviting individuals over for a cup of tea, a conversation, and, when needed, a place of refuge.
Hedi provided a stalwart example of aging with dignity and grace. She had multiple surgeries and medical interventions throughout her life. In her final years, when she was diagnosed with an incurable sarcoma, Hedi refused treatment and agreed to accept whatever the Divine had in store. Through her way of being present to the Divine—and to the Divine in everyone—she provided loving support to individuals and the meeting community as a whole.
Hedi was preceded in death by her sister, Hildegard Weiler. She is survived by her loving nephew Kenneth Klemm (Laurie) and niece Susan Klemm Dunlevy (James); as well as other beloved nieces and nephews; and her cousins in Germany.
Correction: A previous version of this milestone stated Hedi’s place of death as Chapel Hill, N.C. It was not Chapel Hill but Charlotte, N.C.
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