It is with great sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of Helga (Kasdorf) Klassen. Helga passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2022 with family by her side and love in her heart.
Helga was born to Abraham and Sara Kasdorf on July 1st, 1949 in Curitiba, Brazil. Growing up on a dairy farm instilled Helga with a hearty work ethic, a sense of perseverance, and the right to regale her children and grandchildren with stories of having to milk cows every morning and evening.
After the passing of her mother when she was only 15, her father remarried Elizabeth Thiessen; the woman she would in time come to love as a second mom and gained the bond of four new siblings in the process.
In 1970, Helga and her two sisters moved to Canada to live with their aunt, and her family would follow shortly thereafter. She was also pursued by her Brazilian Romeo and love of her life, Valdemar, better known as Wally.
They were married on February 26th, 1972 and bore sons; Richard (Ricky) and Sidney, and daughter Carla. Helga loved her family dearly and together with Wally they would build family traditions. Summers at the lake, Sunday brunch at Merteens, random backyard parties and her token predictable meals all served to solidify a strong and enduring family bond. This love extended to include Carla’s husband David, and their three girls; Sara, Isabelle, and Abigail. Helga poured her heart into her grandchildren and took immense joy in being their “Omi” in all the little things she did for and with them.
Constantly multi-tasking, Helga balanced home-life and raising a family, with establishing a long-standing career at the Royal Bank. Her humor, and cheerful nature made her a delight for her clients and peers alike, many of whom became lifelong friends.
A devout Christian, Helga had an unwavering faith in God. She was an active member of Douglas Mennonite Church and cherished the connections and community it brought. Her faith and love in God and the teachings of Jesus were reflected in everything she did.
Helga had a zest for experiencing travel and culture: whether it was herding her family on vacations to Brazil, exploring her parent’s roots in Russia, a true Lampoons style tour of the Black Hills, or one the many adventures she went on with her love Wally, from the Mediterranean islands to the beaches of Mexico. She never lost her sense of adventure.
Helga will be greeted in heaven by her father and mother, Abe and Sara Kasdorf, her sister Margarita, her stepbrother Harry, nephew Chris, and numerous loved ones that went before her.
Leaving behind to honor her legacy is her loving husband of almost 50 years Valdemar; their children, Richard, Sidney, and Carla (David); grandchildren, Sara, Isabelle, and Abigail; her second mom Elizabeth; siblings, Katie, Lori, Elizabeth, Walter, Bert, Elvira, Peter, and Hans; along with numerous friends and family whose lives she touched.
Helga was truly a remarkable woman. She cultivated a sense of community wherever she went, connecting uniquely with everyone she met. Her special gift and great joy was entertaining along with Wally in their backyard until their heart’s content. She will be remembered for her graciousness, resilience, and loving soul.
We will always love you and miss you with all our heart.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Helga Klassen Kasdorf Friday January 14th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba