Helga Ursula Kania

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. Helga will be remembered as being compassionate, giving and loving. Everyone acquainted with her knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Her parents were Herbert and Ursula Bachus. Helga was raised in Sumantra, Indonesia for seven years, then her family relocated to Ludwigsburg, Germany. Even as a youngster, Helga learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

Helga was sociable and approachable. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Helga was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She became friends with almost everyone she met.

An objective and conscientious individual, Helga reveled in the security of her family. In 1953, she married Zbigniew Kania, in a Lutheran Church in Horsham, Sussex. Helga and Zbigniew were blessed with one child, Lucy. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Melanie and Alexis.They ALWAYS came before all others. She adored her daughter and grandchildren and being close to them. This was her main reason for moving to California for retirement. She was also a very kind and gentle loving person. She was very unselfish and always was there to lend a hand for anyone who needed her help.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Helga was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Helga was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Helga upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was as an executive secretary. She was employed for 30 years by Midland Bank Ltd.

Being generous with her time and energy, Helga liked to be involved with community activities. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. Throughout her later years, Helga was an active member of the Newcomers Club of Santa Clarita.

Helga was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Helga’s favorites was Jasper, a German Shepherd dog. They were best friends for 12 years. Her family was rounded out by her prior German Shepherds Amos III and Elsa.

When Helga’s retirement finally arrived in 1988, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved relocating to Santa Clarita, California from England. In many ways, Helga loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities, and most importantly, being close to her family.

She is survived by her daughter Lucy, son-in-law Steve, and granddaughters Melanie and Alexis. Services were held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary.