Alberta Ann Wild

Alberta Wild, 92, of Hanover, Illinois - who recently celebrated her birthday with her beloved nieces - passed away peacefully at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, Illinois, on October 1, 2025, shortly after spending the day surrounded by family.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hanover. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Hanover.

Alberta was born on September 5, 1933, in Elgin, Illinois, the daughter of Hans and Margaret (Barron) Wild. The oldest of twelve children, she was the only sibling born in a hospital before the family moved to a farm when she was very young. Life on the Wild farm as the eldest of twelve brought both joy and responsibility - and Alberta carried it with strength, love, and grace. Like many oldest children, she often acted as a “third parent,” helping to care for her younger siblings while balancing the hard work of farm life.

She attended Pleasant Hill Country School through the eighth grade before working full-time on the family farm. Later, Alberta began her long career at Eaton Corporation in Hanover, where she worked as an assembler until her retirement after many decades of dedicated service.

Although Alberta never married, her life was filled with family love - both given and received. She and her sister Mary lived with and cared for their parents through their later years, ensuring they were always surrounded by family. Every Sunday, Alberta faithfully drove her mother (who never had a driver’s license) to church. Though she and Mary adored one another, living and working together meant they wisely chose opposite shifts at Eaton to keep harmony at home.

When Alberta became an aunt, her circle of love grew even wider. The stunning flower and vegetable gardens (from which her nieces and nephews got to take home a bouquet), and the thoughtful tradition of sending birthday, holiday, or “just because” cards that made each recipient feel remembered and loved. Her nieces and nephews will never forget her sporty teal Firebird - the definition of “cool” in their eyes!

Sundays were for family visits and tea, honoring her Irish heritage, which she cherished deeply. With her long red hair and proud spirit, she was unmistakably Irish, and even kept in touch with extended family members in Ireland. Alberta was also a devout Catholic, completing her Confirmation in 1992 - a moment she held dear.

In her spare time, Alberta enjoyed music, needlepoint, and sewing, but above all, she treasured her faith and her family.

She is survived by her sister Nellie Bainbridge; nephews Michael (Sandra) Wild, Mark (Michelle) Wild, Matt (Darcy) Wild, Tommy Wild, Clarence “Cap” (Cecilia) Eadie, Charlie Eadie, and Marty (Stephanie) Wild; nieces Kim (Brad Musser) Wild, Elaine (Brian) Keeffer, Dina Wild, Monica (Jim) McGivney, Melody (Jody) Landwer, Kathleen Benavides, and Kelsey (Jason Bennett)Wild; sister-in-laws Mary E. Wild, DeeAnna Wild, Lynne Wild, Bev Paisley, and Deborah Polhill; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Frederick, John(Sally), Michael Sr., William, Thomas, Alfred “Pat,” and Herman Wild; and sisters Mary Wild, Margaret(Dale) Service, and Donna(Lynn) Eadie, and another Brother-In-Law, Nick Bainbridge.

Alberta’s gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to the staff at Big Meadows Nursing Home for the exceptional love and care they provided to Alberta. Your kindness and compassion are deeply appreciated.

“May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”