Hilda Moritz Notley

Notley—Hilda Moritz Notley, 91, on January 9, 2020, at Foulkeways retirement community in Gwynedd, Pa. Hilda was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on June 6, 1928, to Frank Josef Moritz and Luise Weiss Moritz, both of whom emigrated from Germany to New York City in the mid-1920s. Aside from her college years in Ohio, Hilda lived in the suburbs of Philadelphia her entire life. In 1946, Hilda began her first year at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. She visited several churches and was drawn to Yellow Springs (Ohio) Meeting. While attending Antioch, Hilda met William “Bill” Collier Notley, a veteran of World War II. Hilda and Bill married in Philadelphia on July 31, 1948.

While living in Ohio, Hilda and Bill had three children, William, Tom, and Nancy. The family moved to Elkins Park, Pa., in 1954, just one mile from Abington (Pa.) Meeting. Their fourth child, Judy, was born in Abington. Abington Meeting was a welcoming and safe environment with many young families. The meeting became a mainstay for Hilda for close to 70 years. During that time, Hilda was clerk of the meeting, chair of the Worship and Ministry Committee, a member of the School Committee, and involved with First-day school and adult class. Her cooking and entertaining skills often led her to coordinate covered dish suppers and evening events.

In 1964, Hilda became involved in the Head Start program of Philadelphia, which provides no-cost childcare for eligible families. The summer program was home to a vibrant group of inner city and suburban young children who enjoyed diverse educational and fun-filled enrichment.

Hilda’s spiritual life was strengthened by participating in activities at Pendle Hill study center in Wallingford, Pa.; Philadelphia Yearly Meeting; and Friends General Conference. Women’s retreats at Pendle Hill, young mothers’ weekends in the Poconos, and Quaker travel in England encouraged her dedication to spirituality and social justice. Hilda’s circles were vast: sewing group, yoga, Jazzercise, YWCA Cape Cod summer getaways, and yearly trips to the Jersey shore and to Vermont. In later years, Hilda and Bill enjoyed several trips to Europe.

Hilda’s love and commitment to Quakerism became increasingly evident, especially toward the end of her life. Her knack for intergenerational relationships and providing a kind and nonjudgmental ear was her forte. Frequent visits from the Care of Members Committee were a highlight of Hilda’s final weeks. Her love, wit, and intelligence were intact as she faced terminal illness.

Hilda was predeceased by her husband, Bill Notley, who died in 2015; son Bill F. Notley, who died in 2016; and daughter-in-law Margaret L. Notley, who died in 2017. She is survived by three children, Tom Notley, Nancy Notley (Robert Perzigian), and Judy Notley (Tom Burke); three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.