Obituary of Helga Erika KUENZEL

October 1, 1938 - Plauen, Vogtland, Germany

July 17, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Helga Erika Kuenzel, beloved wife of Johannes Kuenzel, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the age of 82, after a courageous year long battle with Appendiceal Cancer. A true survivor, Helga had fought off breast cancer at the age of 32 and had another tumour successfully removed between her heart and lung in 2018.

Helga was born in Plauen, Vogtland, Germany on October 1st, 1938. She met Johannes at the age of 16 during ballroom dancing classes. Both were from the same city and had been children of the war. They became separated by ‘The Wall’ that divided Germany for many decades. Johannes left as the wall went up but several years later, in 1973 they found a way for Helga to join him with their daughter. Finally, they were together, and free to start a new life in Canada where they have danced periodically together for the last 66 years.  

Helga initially trained as a seamstress and corset maker helping run her parent’s specialty store from a young age.  Returning to school she then received her accounting degree with a specialty in Banking and worked as the Executive Secretary to the Banks CEO while she was in Germany. In Canada she spent time being an amazing mother, learning English and eventually working her way back up the ranks to work in Accounting until retirement at the Calgary Zoo.

Helga spent decades volunteering and being an active member of her church, the Allsaints Anglican Church.  She loved to create anything from fibres, tailoring clothing, sewing, knitting and crocheting. Often making blankets and scarves for the homeless shelter in Calgary. Helga loved music, as long as it was not too loud, she played piano and sang in a choir in her younger years. One of her favourite songs was “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

For the past twelve years Helga was entirely dedicated to being the most incredibly amazing Omi, her two granddaughters, Bianca and Saskia could have ever wished for spoiling them with love and affection, but also passing on lessons they will treasure for their whole lives - how to sew, and crochet, and laugh from your belly. 

In 2017 Helga was able to return to Germany with her daughter, son-in-law, and most importantly her granddaughters. She and Johannes were able to show the girls where Omi, Opa and their Mom came from, immerse them in history and tell fantastic tales of days gone by.

Helga was often heard saying “Hannes! Nicht so laut!” to Johannes, “Ja, OK Mausi-Mami” to Ingrid and “Vorsichtig, du tust dir doch weh!” With no shortage of “I love you so much!” to her granddaughters.

Helga was an elegant, calm, gentle, kind, empathetic and classy lady. Also, a talented textiles creative with a strong detail oriented personality and unwavering work ethic. Helga, however, will be most remembered for her sweet innocent smile while crushing you in a game of “Mensch Ärgere Dich Nicht” the popular German board game, her subtle dry sense of humour and her infectious laugh.

Besides her loving husband Johannes, Helga is survived by her daughter, Ingrid; son-in-law, David and grandchildren, Bianca Noelle & Saskia Maelle.

Helga is also survived by her two younger sisters; Gisa with brother-in-law Dieter Baumgärtel, Krista Hoppert and sister-in-law Erika Künzel, all of Plauen, Germany as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and friends in both Germany and Canada.

Helga was predeceased by her older sister, Inge Wolf and brothers-in-law, Franz Wolf, Jörgen Hoppert and A. Hermann Künzel.

Cremation has taken place and a Private Family Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery. Should you wish to visit Helga, you will find her in Columbarium 92 - the labeled niche is on the inside right, just above eye level. Condolences, memories and photos are encouraged to be shared and viewed on Helga’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

We wish to express our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Badenhurst who cared for Helga with most heartfelt compassion for decades, and the multitude of doctors at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Peter Lougheed and Foothills hospitals. As well as the kind caregivers; HCA, RN’s and Dr’s at the Rosedale Hospice for managing pain and comfort as best as it could be managed. Finally, Rev. K. Bird and Rev. M. Herrel for the weekly visits and spiritual nurturing Helga received.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.giving.albertacancer.ca/donate/in-memory   or  www.hospicecalgary.ca/donatenow/.