Hilda Spodheim Debacker

Hilda Spodheim Debacker, born in 1924, died peacefully in her home in Charleston, SC on August 29, 2022. Hilda’s strength and determination, ability to bond with people of all ages, fierce loyalty to those she loved, her spunkiness, sense of humor and contagious laugh were all gifts to those lucky enough to know and love her.

Hilda was an intellectual powerhouse and trailblazer for women in medicine. She earned her degree in chemistry from Cornell University, a master’s in chemistry from the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, and her eventual master’s and PhD degrees in anatomy at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She was an avid learner. As Professor of Neuroanatomy at MUSC, she shaped many young minds for more than thirty years. She simply loved teaching. Through her actions and lessons, she inspired the most confident and smartest doctors to always listen carefully to the patients and to be humble.

Born to Frederic and Regina Spodheim, Hilda was raised in Bacau, Romania and emigrated with her family in 1941 to New York City in order to escape the Nazis in World War II. Her husband, Rene Debacker, came to New York from Lille, France, in 1946. There, she met Rene and married. They were deeply in love and Rene continued to refer to her as “my bride” until he died in 1997. Hilda honored his philanthropic wishes by creating legacy commitments for the Rene Debacker and Hilda Spodheim Debacker Endowed Fund for scholarships at MUSC’s College of Medicine and the Rene and Hilda Debacker Endowed Scholarship for deserving students at the College of Charleston. Hilda and her late husband were always supremely present and supportive of family and community. She will be sorely missed.

Hilda was predeceased by her sister Renee, Spodheim of New York. She is survived by her extended family including: Peggy Green, Ellen & Robert Steinberg, Mary & Tommy Stone, Lucia Ellis & Elizabeth Carrington, Elisabeth and Brad Church, Diana & Burnis Acuff, Janie Gantt and Stafford & Kristin Green. 

We give our most sincere appreciation to the compassionate and amazing women who assisted Hilda on a daily basis, giving her their full love and support. 

A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hilda’s honor may be made to the charity of your choice.