BANDEEN, Helga Ella Margarete
August 31, 1924 – April 29, 2023
Helga was a strong and tenacious women and was the glue that held her family together. Helga had a kind heart and loved unconditionally.
Helga was born in Alt Strelitz, Germany, August 31, 1924. She had a wonderful childhood growing up with close family and friends. During the war her life was difficult and full of harrowing adventures. She never talked at length about these, but always missed her family and her home in Germany. She eventually found safety and friendship in Mullion, Cornwell, working in a doctor’s office and as a nanny for his family. She developed lifelong friendships with his family and well as the family she lived with. Up until Easter this year, she had maintained her pen pal relationship with her dear friend Evelyn. Mom loved writing letters, she had beautiful penmanship, and checked the mailbox daily. She wanted nothing to do with technology! She left England with Dr. Moynagh and his family, to emigrate to New Zealand. It was there, she met the love of her life, Douglas, a tall, handsome sailer. They married, had two girls and again fate would have them leaving their home to travel to Canada to be reunited with her family. They spent a few years living in Medicine Hat. Roderick their son was born there. Shortly after, they moved to Calgary, and settled in Haysboro. They lived a happy life, surrounded by family and friends. She spent her last few years living in Cochrane, to be close to family.
It is with sadness that the family of Helga Bandeen, announces her passing, on April 29, 2023, at the age of 98. She will be missed by her daughter Veronika Kierzek, her son, Roderick Bandeen, grandchildren, Gregory Kierzek(Erica), Christiane Franssen(Darryl)and Althea Huber(Ben), as well as her beloved great-grandchildren, Jasper, Addisyn and Odin. She will also be missed by her sister Krystal and brother Dieter and all the cousins. She was predeceased by Douglas, her husband, and her daughter Yvonne. She leaves many lifelong friendships.
Helga was a kind , gentle soul, her life was often not easy, but she always fought courageously for herself and the ones she loved. Rest in Peace.
At Helga request, no service will be held. A Memorial tea will be held in her honour in early July, when all the flowers are out. She loved her flowers 🌺 🌸🌼🌹🌷💐 Details to come.
Arrangements entrusted to Flo Simpson, Funeral Director
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca 403-932-1039
What an amazing life Helga has experienced, and so sad to see she has passed. Thoughts and love to all of you. Sent from New Zealand with sincerest condolences. It was such an amazing experience for us to spend some years in Calgary from NZ and to meet up with Veronika’s family. This connection still remains despite the distance between us and I am forever grateful that my son (born in Calgary) who has returned to Calgary has been fortunate enough to be welcomed into the “fold”.
Veronika, Kia kaha, Kia māia, Kia manawanui love Krys
Your mother and grandmother was a wonderful person and led such an amazing life. She was truly blessed to have such a loving family Our deepest sympathies. Our love, Cindy and Avery Aronovitch
Beautiful words to remember how Helga grasped her long life with grace, dignity, and love for her family and friends.. She will be missed and her life an example to all. Much love and hugs to all of the family.
Both Joanne and I want to add our deepest condolences to Helga’s Family and Friends. We first met Helga and Douglas as our Next-Door Haysboro Neighbors in the Spring of 1994, and our relationship with them, and their Family, had continued ever since, together spanning nearly Three (3) Decades. Helga and Douglas would have celebrated their 69TH Wedding Anniversary on May 1ST, so the timing of Helga’s passing was made even more poignant. Helga was a dear, and loving Friend to both of us, with her sharp mind constantly in the forefront. She will always be missed.
Out Deepest Sympathy to Veronika,Rod and Fammily.
We have being neighbors and became very good friends with Helga Douglas and family since 1963.
Had some great times together,some great memories.We will miss you .
Rest in Peace ,
Noreen and Family