Helga was a hardy and resilient character. I remember her telling me how as a young girl she had to break the ice on a stream to access water. She was fiercely independent and would often refuse a lift in a car as she could just as easily, in her mind at least, take 3 hours and 7 buses to get to the same destination without putting you out. You will realise that I exaggerate here, but if you knew Helga, you’ll realise I’m not that far from the truth.

Helga was a kind lady who loved nature. Often on the ministry I would ask her to name plants and flowers for me as my knowledge was limited – if prompted she would produce the Latin names. She loved trees and animals.

Helga had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh with a sparkle in her eyes. She didn’t mind translating some of my daft sayings into German.

Helga was a very faithful minister who was one of those who could be always be depended upon to be out supporting the local group. If she wasn’t present, then you’d know something was up.

Helga was a practical person in many ways and quite handy with a chainsaw!

Helga loved her accordion.

Helga’s faith was strong and without doubt this sustained her during hard times. She is sure to be rewarded while she waits in Jehovah’s memory.

Our Omi.

A few words come to mind when I think of my grandma; Courageous, strong willed, caring, faithful and wonderfully odd! 

We'll miss her quirky characteristics, like feeding the animals better than she did herself, the whistling of her hearing aid that never seemed to have batteries, her sweet little chuckle at everything we said and her incredibly strong faith that saw her through to the end. 

As Oskar touched upon, our KFC trips, fish and chip afternoons or a carrier bag of chocolates at the end of a visit were some highlights of our childhood, safe to say Omi is where the Smith appetite has come from. 

We were fortunate enough to go to Dresden with Omi and although we were young, that is a trip that will bring a smile to our faces whenever we think about it, and learning about her life there was fascinating. 

She touched the hearts of so many and we are so grateful for the memories we have with her. 

Her family, friends and brothers and sisters will miss her dearly. 

Our grandma was one of the strongest people I have ever met. She was the epitome of determination. At the same time, she was a humble and loving woman. Even if she didn't say it out loud, her love was shown in her actions. 

I will always have fond memories of our compulsory trips to KFC and the gifts of flakes and Cadbury caramel chocolate every time we visited along with the occasional meal at the horse and jockey.

Her love of nature was one of her most famous characteristics. I have never seen anyone love a squirrel that much, to the point of buying special nuts off the internet to feed it. Whenever we offered to get her some shopping, the main thing she would ask for was chicken breasts for her cat!

She was also well known for her trust and faith in Jehovah and the promise found in the Bible. She didn't fear death as she saw it as a deep sleep, waiting to be woken up in paradise. We as a family and her congregation look forward to that time.

A kind, faithful and extremely peculiar woman, she will be truly missed among our family.

I was 8 years old when Helga came knocking at the door of our family home. She spoke to my grandfather whilst me and my older brother were playing in the background. She told my grandfather that she could teach us about the bible (and my grandfather thinking this would educate us further agreed to us having a bible study). 

For 10 years Helga faithfully taught me about Jehovah, even when my family realised how serious I was taking the truth and they stopped her coming to the house, she had thought of a backup plan - meeting at the library -and so we managed to continue our study!!

Helga taught me well and I thank her for persevering all that time. Even when I left home to start university she said to me "Promise me you'll never leave Jehovah". 10 months later I got baptised. I can't thank her enough for what she did for me, all that she taught me and the love she showed. 

Helga was a beautiful lady, very humble, kind and patient. These are the qualities I will always remember her for, and her love for Jehovah that was real and strong. Xx