Helga H. Westfall, 87, of Landmark Square, 832 N 6th St, Sheboygan, passed away Friday, August 7, 2015, just four days after her husband, Edward. Helga was born December 19, 1928 to Elli (Mandel) and Baron von Henrich in Berlin, Germany. Her mother and family where bakers in Alsace-Lorraine and her father was from Berlin, owning the Bank of Lithuania, timberlands, and lumberyards. Helga grew up in Berlin and spent many months in their family home on the Baltic Sea as well. She was schooled in Germany, Switzerland, and East Prussia. Helga lost her parents, a younger brother, and all properties tragically during World War II. As a consequence, Helga, now a teenager, took on the responsibility of raising her three younger brothers in extreme poverty. Eventually Helga found employment for U.S. General Clay in Berlin, as well as becoming a flight attendant for British Airways, which brought her to Los Angeles, CA, where began working in the business field of women's fashion. Helga met her husband of 46 years, Edward Westfall, in Florence, Italy. They both worked in the garment industry; Edward in men's fashion and Helga as V.P. of Ellen Tracy Co. While at Ellen Tracy, Helga became well known in the fashion industry and was regularly featured in Women's Wear Daily. Helga and Edward enjoyed gathering their family together annually from across the United States for exceptional vacations. Together, they traveled extensively taking more than 20 cruises to all parts of the world. Helga has a legacy of generosity, endurance, sophistication, wisdom, and gratefulness for God's goodness throughout her life ("God has been so good to me"). Helga is survived by one brother, Peter, Germany, two step-daughters Daryl (Don) Scane, Los Angeles, CA, Jill (Pete) Simmons, Venice, FL, and step-son Dr. Jack Westfall (Rev. Judine Duerwaechter), Sheboygan, WI; step-granddaughters, S. Harper Westfall, Sheboygan, and Mikal Rae Westfall, Portland, OR, step-grandson, Michael (Natalyia) Scane and infant step-great-grandson, Holden, all of Sherman Oaks, CA. Helga was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her mother, father, three brothers, Paul, Rudy, Dieter, and 19 y/o step-granddaughter, Elli Westfall in 2014. The family is comforted by Helga's entrance into New Life so closely following Edward's earlier this week. At Helga and Edward's request private family services will be held in both California and Florence, Italy at a later time. The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Helga's arrangements. The Westfall family again extends their great appreciation to Comfort Keepers' caregivers, Jane and Marlene; two outstanding caregivers who served with complete dependability and extended unconditional care and compassion to Ed and Helga. Also, to Helga and Ed's incredible hospice nurses, Karen and MaryAnn and their team; your gifts of nursing during such a tender time were completely supportive of our family's needs. And above all, knowing our words of appreciation and gratitude are insufficient, our family extends to Embrace Care Mgt. and your team of caregivers our heartfelt thankfulness for outstanding quality, attention, and care to both Ed and Helga, in often, difficult periods. Caregivers Margaret, Ann, Michelle, Megan, and Tamara, you literally improved all our lives with your countless acts of professional compassion, your expert service, insightfulness, and numerous gestures of humane love. God bless you and thank you.
