Hilda Rae Auerbach

Hilda Rae (Garfinkel) Auerbach, 84 of New York, NY, died at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital (formerly St. Luke's Hospital) in New York City on October 16, 2025.

Hilda was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1940 to Sam and Elsa Garfinkel, with older siblings Phyllis and Harmon and step-brother Stanley. She attended Midwood High School, graduating in 1958 with exemplary grades that would have sent her to college, but instead Hilda started working full time to help support her family - a trait that she carried through her entire life.

In 1961, Hilda met Stephen Auerbach, the love and light of her life. She was sitting in a cafeteria with friends on Friday evening, with one empty seat at her table. When Stephen asked if he could take that seat and Hilda said no, Stephen sat down anyway and just like that - the love affair of the century began. They married on March 31, 1962, and had two sons: Alan (born in 1963) and Scott (in 1966). Hilda fulfilled her role as matriarch of her family with a powerful love that made everyone feel embraced and cared for.

Hilda and family lived in Brooklyn until 1968, when they moved to a house in New City, Rockland County, New York - in pursuit of excellent public schools for Alan and Scott. When both boys were done with high school, Hilda and Steve sold their house and moved back to New York City in 1985, where they have lived happily ever since. Hilda held many positions as a bookkeeper, especially for law firms, during these years in NYC. When Stephen, an architect, needed administrative support for his firm, Hilda stepped into that role, making the firm Corporate Facilities Management a formidable and efficient operation.

Hilda loved to travel with Steve, with several trips to Europe (to the British Isles, France, and to Italy twice), as well as an especially illuminating and exciting trip to China. Hilda was well known for her skill at the New York Times crossword puzzle, sometimes completing a puzzle (in ink) during the time of a bus ride to work (sometimes to applause from the fellow bus riders). Hilda especially enjoyed an evening of playing cards or mahjong with good friends. Although Hilda did not have the opportunity to pursue a college degree, she was one of the smartest people you'd ever meet. Hilda also loved spending time with her family, especially her children and five grandchildren - who provided endless joy and love and laughter.

Hilda is survived by her husband Stephen Auerbach, children Alan Auerbach with partner Lise Obeling, and Scott Auerbach with wife Sarah Auerbach; brother Harmon Garfinkel; grandchildren Lauren Auerbach, Rob Auerbach, Maddie Auerbach with husband Perry Cao, Nick Auerbach with partner Caroline Green, and Annie Auerbach; along with many adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Mt Sinai Hospital, dedicating your gift to the Immunology Department (https://giving.mountsinai.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1480&mfc_pref=T&1480.donation=form1).

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