Helma died peacefully at her home in White Rock on November 29, 2003. She was predeceased in 1995 by Karl, her husband of 45 years. She will be deeply missed by daughter Ingrid, son-in-law Warren and grandsons Nicholas, Stuart and Spencer, of Atlanta, Georgia. Helma is also survived by her nephew Gordon Hunter and wife Valerie and their children of Vancouver, niece Eileen Smelsky and daughters of Winnipeg, and nephew Harold Hunter and wife Phyllis of Winnipeg. She is survived by a sister, Charlotte Link of Bad Nauheim, Germany, as well as sisters-in-law Kaethe and Mathilde Schmidt and many nieces and nephews in Germany. She also leaves behind her friends of 60 years' standing, Edith Chill and Mia Volkmann of Germany.
Helma was born on May 26, 1921 in Josefsberg, a German settlement, now disappeared, in Galizia, part of present-day Ukraine. She survived years of trauma and deprivation before coming to this great and free country in 1948 to begin a new life. She was blessed with many dear friends who were a great support during her illness. Special thanks to Alex Davie.
A Memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 6th at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2350 - 148th St., Surrey, B.C. Reception to follow. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Helma's memory to: Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, 15521 Russell Ave., White Rock, B.C. V4B 2R4. 604-535-4520.