Helga J. Robidoux

Helga Julianne Robidoux was called home December 29, 2023. Helga was born October 13, 1937 in Kaiserslautern, Germany, the daughter of Paul Schneider and Friederike Kaufman Schneider. She was raised in Germany during the tumultuous years of World War II. In 1956, Helga met a handsome American GI named Andrew Robidoux, serving a tour in Germany. They were soon married on January 19, 1957. Being the devoted wife of a GI, Helga followed her husband to many duty stations in the United States, where they raised their three children. Helga became a naturalized citizen on June 19, 1962. After Andy retired from the US Army, the family settled in Hampton, VA. Andy preceded her in death on October 13, 2004.

Helga was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. When at home, she could always be found with a dust cloth in her apron pocket as dust was her personal nemesis and her windows were the cleanest in town! She was an avid reader of romance novels, loved her house plants, violets, and orchids. She always had fresh cut flowers on her table. For many years, Andy and Helga had a standing Friday night date with friends Bob and Maya Lottes for dinner out and a rousing game of Aggravation. She spent many years crocheting, making treasured afghan blankets and other items for family and friends.

Helgas greatest joy was her family. Those left to cherish her memory are brother Manfred Schneider (Heidelore), sisters Sonja Klein (Fritz) and Ursula Ruppert all of Germany. Three children, sons, William Robidoux (Jeanne) of Hayes, VA, Richard Robidoux (Brenda) of Gloucester, VA and daughter Charleen Small (Allan) of Newport News, VA. Six Grandchildren, Michelle Patterson (Tim) of Irmo, SC, Andrew Baker (Anna) of Shallot, NC, Nicole Robidoux of Newport News, VA, Steven Robidoux (Laura) of Richmond, VA, Michael Robidoux of Hampton, VA and Staci Small Whalen (Matthew) of Lawton, OK. Six Great-Grandchildren, Nicholas Patterson, Megan Patterson, Michael Baker, Torben Robidoux, Lorelei Robidoux and Charlie Whalen. Helga’s extended family which she loved as her own are grandchildren Dennis Mitchell (Evelyn), Vanessa Dustin (Jason) and Shani Riggins, Kara Maples (Kevin). Great-Grandchildren Alice Mitchell, Gavin Dustin, Adam Dustin, Jayce Dustin, Landon Spillman, Lincoln Riggins, Oaklyn Bilke, Hadley Jo Bilke and Krystena Vigeant and Melissa Maples.

Arrangements are being handled by Parklawn Funeral Home, Hampton, VA. A graveside service will be held at the Hampton National Cemetery on the campus of the Hampton University, 1 Cemetery Road Hampton, VA 23669, Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, 6595 Main Street, Gloucester, VA 23061.