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BORN
1939
DIED
2020
Helga Wallace Obituary
October 23, 1939 - May 26, 2020
Helga Wallace-daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother-peacefully passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at home in Mill Valley, CA., with her hands entwined with her adoring son James.
Helga was born on October, 23, 1939 in Hammer, Poland to Ernst Sultz and Hildegard Steinberg. Finding herself an orphan and refugee towards the end of World War II, Helga developed an early sense of self reliance and perseverance which she maintained throughout her life.
In the early 1960's, with the hopes of finding opportunity and starting a family, Helga responded to an ad in a German newspaper placed by a Connecticut family looking for a kindermadchen, or nanny. Some 50 years later Helga would continue to derive great joy each holiday season upon receiving a card from the now grown son. She would go on to work with a number of families over the years on both the east and west coasts, all of whom made her a valued member of their extended families.
Helga loved the outdoors and lived an adventrous life. Among many other things, she sailed from San Francisco to Hawaii and back with her husband and then five year old son on a homebuilt sailboat, lived on the waterfront of Sausalito in a homebuilt houseboat, and lived in a cabin in the Sierras where she cut her own firewood and shoveled snow off her swinging 100' long cable supported bridge.
Where ever Helga lived she easily made friends and became an active member of the community.
She was an avid volunteer with regards to anything related to her son, and was a docent at both Calaveras Big Trees State Park and at Mare Island Historic Park.
She found great joy and friendships from the many clubs she was a part of over the years; including hiking, quilting and gardening.
Helga is preceded in death by her father, Ernst, and her mother, Hildegard.
She is survived by her son James, her sister Gudrun, her brother Hartmut, and her husband James.
Helga is deeply missed by family and friends both here in America and in Germany.
Please consider making a donation in Helga's name to : ALDEA Children and Family Services, ATTN : Michele Farhat, P.O. Box 841, Napa , CA 94559
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helga Wallace
3 Entries
Roni Callister
June 7, 2025
Remembering meals shared with my friend Helga. She made the best sauerbraten and red cabbage and really good stuffed cabbage. I miss her in my life!
Veronica (Roni) Callister
February 28, 2024
I have been thinking about Helga recently and thought to search for her as we have lost touch in the past couple of years.
We met Helga in Sausalito while living on our boat in Galilee Harbor. We became good friends sharing our boat life experiences as well as adventures at her cabin in the mountains. She was a caring person and one of the hardest workers we've ever known and was rarely found with idle hands. She took care of our baby son, Jesse for several years and he remembers her and Jimmy and their dog fondly. She made the best sauerbraten known to man. We sadly lost touch in the last few years and hope her family is well.
Roni and Bill Callister
Doris Henkel-klamann
July 10, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. My lovely aunt .... she was the best aunt .... ever.... thanks you for your warmth transleted ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Doris❤❤
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