March 5, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce Helga's passing. She leaves behind her devoted and loving husband of 49 years Gary, and her lovely daughters Rita and Debbie. Helga was the eldest of her siblings (Bill, Barbara, Elsie and Ernie), and was born in Germany. She is predeceased by her parents Willy and Trudy.
Her family moved to Edmonton, Alberta when Helga was 7, and then Costa Mesa California for 3 years where she graduated from High School. Helga was a devoted daughter and sister. Despite being offered a full scholarship to University, she chose to work and be additional support to her parents and siblings. The family then moved to Victoria, BC where she met Gary, introduced to her by life-long friends Bill and Linda. Upon marrying Gary in 1969, she resided in Duncan, BC where she has lived ever since.
Helga excelled in retail and banking careers and after marrying Gary and moving to Duncan, she continued to work as a Bank Teller at CIBC. When she became a mother, she proudly chose to be a full-time homemaker and continued to assist her aging parents. Helga loved being a wife and mother and was also very fond of animals. For 38 years, she enjoyed life on a small hobby farm on Lakes Road, designed and built by Gary. A variety of animals led blissful lives under her care, but the highlight of her pride and joy was her prize-winning registered herd of pygmy goats, some ancestors of which now reside in the Beacon Hill and Stanley Park petting zoos.
She also loved her plants - able to revive anything that might be struggling and turn it into thriving jungle-like greenery! In her final years, she enjoyed caring and tending to what plants that she could, and spending time with her dogs, and the fish and frog in their small pond.
Helga was a strong woman and survived cancer several times; however, in the last 4 years, she experienced many more health issues. While her family misses her dearly, they have some peace knowing that she is no longer in pain or suffering.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at 2:00 PM at H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre, 5285 Polkey Road, Duncan, BC.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation to the SPCA.
Online condolences may be made at www.hwwallacecbc.com
HW Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre