Helga Hempel

Helga Lina Hempel (née Scheifl), aged 91, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, in Rochester, New York with her loving husband by her side. Born on March 20, 1934, in Chemnitz, Germany. she lived a remarkable life spanning nine decades.

Her father worked as a railroad engineer. Her family survived WWII but had to flee East Germany and eventually settled in a small town in West Germany. After completing her secondary education Helga's parents sent her to a domestic training school in Switzerland where she excelled in cooking. Helga emigrated to the United States in 1956 to work as a private cook for a wealthy family in NYC. Helga met George Hempel there and they were married in 1959. In 1960 they welcomed a son, and in 1962 a daughter. In 1965 the family moved to Pittsford, NY where George began a successful career as a mechanical engineer for Xerox. Helga later resumed her cooking expertise and created a catering business. Helga and George retired in the mid 1990's and enjoyed travelling throughout Europe and North America.

Helga is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, George O. Hempel; her son Christian G. Hempel; her daughter Joanne M. Reiter; and grandchildren.

In lieu of condolences, the family asks for gracious prayers of peace and healing. Amen.