Obituary of Hilde-Ann Peckyno

Hilde-Ann (Nieuwenhuis) Peckyno, 56, of Freehold, NJ, was unexpectedly called home by the Lord on Monday, August 28, 2023.  Hilde passed away outside of Memphis, TN, where she and her husband Richard were to embark on a new chapter in their life together.

Hilde was born in Paramaribo, Suriname, on July 31, 1967, to Josephine and Eduard Nieuwenhuis.  She was educated at St. Louise High School, and immigrated to the United States, where she earned a B.S. degree in Finance in 1992 at Robert Morris College.  It was in Pittsburgh, PA where Hilde met Rick and in 1992 married her true partner for life.  They began their family life together in Newark, DE, where they were members of Holy Family Church.  In 1994, Hilde proudly became a U.S. Citizen.  It was here where their two sons Christopher and Nicholas were born, and many lifelong friendships began.  In 2007, Hilde and her family moved to Freehold, NJ, where they enjoyed many new friendships and were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Hilde’s pride and joy was her family.  She actively participated in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and volunteered at both Catena and Eisenhower Schools.  Hilde was passionately involved in her children’s sports, including Football, Baseball, Basketball and Lacrosse, where one could often hear her voice above the crowd.  She enjoyed raising her German Shepherd Neo, attending tailgates at Penn State, and supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Hilde’s passion for life was helping others.  As an active member of the YMCA community, she ran the early morning shift as a Wellness Center Manager for the last five years, and was a member of the "Five In The Morning YMCA Crew".  Hilde’s passion to help others, friendly spirit, and high energy enabled her to develop many close friends.  She was the brightest light on those early mornings, the best Zumba cheerleader, and often brought homemade soups, breads and cookies for the members around her.  She loved her Yoga and Fitness classes, occasionally stepping in as an instructor herself.  Over the last year, Hilde and Rick grew to love the sport of Pickleball, and they played many fun and spirited games as part of the YMCA Pickleball Family.

Hilde was a compassionate spirit who will be remembered for her giving nature and generosity to family, friends, and community.  Her fun personality and sense of humor was infectious.  She will be truly missed by all whom she touched.  May she rest in peace.

Hilde is survived by her beloved husband Rick, two loving sons Christopher and Nicholas, parents Josephine and Eduard Nieuwenhuis, sister Peggy (Nieuwenhuis) Covell and her husband Bill, and their children Bailey, Sarah and John, sister-in-law Cynthia Palamara, and her two children Jimmy and Mikey, brother-in-law Thomas Peckyno, brother-in law Kenneth Peckyno, and his two children Kenny and Alex, and brother-in-law Robert Peckyno and his wife Laura.

In lieu of flowers, condolences will be accepted by the family on behalf of Hilde to be used towards her favorite charities.

Friends and family are invited to attend memorial gatherings at Freeman Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North in Manalapan, NJ on Thursday, September 14th from 6:00 - 8:00pm, Friday, September 15th from 4:00 - 8:00pm, and Saturday, September 16th from 9:30 -10:15am.  Saturday’s memorial will be followed by a procession from Freeman Funeral Home to St. Mary’s Church in Colts Neck, NJ for a Funeral Mass at 11:00am. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.