Hilda Barry’s journey to River Landing is one marked by resilience, love, and a passion for life. A former educator and devoted gardener, Hilda’s story is one of transformation and adaptation, shaped by personal loss and a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life.
In 2010, Hilda faced a life-altering challenge with the loss of her husband, Bill Barry, just before she moved into River Landing. Their life together had been filled with shared passions and dreams, but it was also tempered by challenges, including a traumatic car accident Bill experienced shortly before proposing to Hilda. Despite the hardship, Hilda remained steadfast, finding joy in their time together. Bill’s recovery from the accident was slow and difficult, but he maintained a sense of humor and a zest for life, even as he adapted to new limitations.
“We had a lot of health challenges, but I got to see my husband be so happy to be alive,” Hilda recalls. Bill, a chemistry graduate, was forced to leave his field after the accident but found new purpose in working at Greenfield Farm and Garden in Kernersville. Hilda reflects on how their life took unexpected turns, but the love and companionship they shared remained constant.
Hilda’s own professional journey mirrored this adaptability. After working as an elementary school teacher, she went on to become a principal, serving at Sherwood Forest Elementary and Cash Elementary in Winston-Salem and Kernersville. Along the way, she earned a master’s degree and principal certification through programs at Appalachian State University and North Carolina A&T State University. Her ability to connect with both students and colleagues was one of the key reasons she was sought out for leadership roles.
“Teaching was a gift, but I was also grateful to become a principal and serve the school community in a new way,” Hilda says. “I learned how to be more patient, especially after Bill’s injury. It taught me to understand the brain’s limitations and how to help people work through challenges at their own pace.”
The couple’s shared love for gardening remained a central part of their life, providing not only a source of relaxation but also a way to stay connected to nature and each other. Bill’s sense of humor kept them both grounded, even during difficult times. Hilda remembers how Bill, near the end of his life, would humorously ask her, “How would heaven be bad?”
When Bill passed away, Hilda sought solace and support from friends and eventually decided to make River Landing her home. After visiting several life plan communities, she was drawn to River Landing’s expansive grounds, which provided the space she needed to continue her gardening passion.
Today, Hilda is a beloved figure at River Landing. She is often greeted with smiles and hugs as she walks through the halls, with fellow residents praising her kindness and enthusiasm. “She’s just the best,” says one resident, capturing the sentiment shared by many.
Hilda’s apartment is a reflection of her rich personal history, with each item carefully chosen and full of meaning. A chest made by her father, a wooden paddle crafted by Bill’s father, and reminders of her Moravian faith are displayed throughout. “I live very simply,” Hilda says. “Each piece of furniture here has a story.”
The view from her apartment is one of a kind, offering a front-row seat to nature. “I get to see the birds fly over the ponds, watch the plants grow, and enjoy the fireworks every Fourth of July,” she says with a smile. Hilda’s passion for gardening continues to thrive at River Landing, where she takes pride in identifying the various plants and flowers around the community. One of her favorites is the Psycho Cosmos plant, which she describes as having “wild, fluffy petals” unlike the more typical cosmos.
Hilda’s contributions to the community extend beyond her gardening. She has played a key role in maintaining Marcia’s Garden, a space started by a previous resident and nurtured by Hilda, her friend Virginia “Ginny” Rice, and other gardening enthusiasts. This garden has become a source of beauty and peace for residents and their families.
In addition to Marcia’s Garden, Hilda has been involved in creating and caring for a nature trail at River Landing, inspired by Ginny Rice’s vision to create a memorial to her late husband, Tom. Hilda is often seen clearing branches from the path and encouraging others to take time to appreciate the natural world around them.
For Hilda, the life she continues to live at River Landing is a daily reminder of the importance of adapting to life’s challenges and finding joy in the process. “Life is precious,” she says. “You have to just let it flow. If we didn’t learn to pivot, we wouldn’t know joy.”
Her story is one of love, resilience, and a deep connection to the people and nature around her. Hilda Barry’s life at River Landing serves as an inspiration to all who meet her, proving that even in the face of hardship, there is always room for growth, connection, and the simple pleasures of life.