Gerda Helmholz

Gerda Juliana Helmholz Born July 29, 1941 in Schweinfurt, Germany , passed away in her Lakewood home surrounded by her family on March 26, 2005 at age 63 after a courageous battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Gerda was a loving mother, grandmother and a friend to all who knew her. She never complained as she faced her challenges, instead was always kind and giving in every circumstance and a great example to follow. What made her happy was giving to others any way she could. She was a hard worker who always gave 110%. She worked at Tower Inn Restaurant for 28 years and most recently at Happy Days Diner and Hess Bakery in Lakewood. When she wasn't working Gerda enjoyed being outdoors and working in her garden. She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father Max and Emilie Graf, husband Mark F. Helmholz, Brothers Edgar and Erich Graf and grandson Caullin West. She is survived by her seven children: Donna Sheneman, Fred Sheneman, William Sheneman, Christine Sheneman, Emilie Henning, Gretchen Sheneman and Victor Sheneman. Sisters: Erna Hart, Maria Buchmaier, Hiltrud Wider and twin brother Roland Graf, Son-in-law David Henning, Daughters-in-law Willette Sheneman, Merci Sheneman and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be remembered and loved by many and greatly missed by all who knew her. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rajat Bannerji and the staff at Madigan Hospital Oncology Department who mom loved and trusted for her care, Good Samaritan Hospice for their short but caring help and support in the last week of mom's life. Viewing and funeral services will be held at New Tacoma Funeral Home, 9212 Chambers Creek Rd. W; Viewing on Thursday, March 31st from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 1st at 11:00 a.m.