Helga Kerler, age 86 of Sandy Hook, Conn., passed away peacefully on July 16 with her family at her side. Helga was predeceased by her loving husband Oscar Kerler. Helga leaves behind three children: Steven (Donna), Linda DeLucia (Frank) and Michael (Jill), along with ten beautiful grandchildren. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a loving, caring, and generous wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Helga Luer Kerler was born in Reiseberg, Germany in 1937 and immigrated to New York City at the young age of 18. Always a hard worker, and looking for a brighter future, Helga enrolled in a beautician school and worked in that trade for many years, eventually owning two hair salons in Ridgefield and Brookfield, Connecticut called Command Performance. While in New York, she immersed herself in the German community, where she met the love of her life, Oscar. They were married on June 21, 1958 (Helga’s birthday) and remained a wonderful, loving couple, raising three children together.

Helga and Oscar owned a successful rental store in Bayport Long Island for ten years before moving the family to Newtown in 1978. Helga loved music and singing, and they both became members of the Arion Singing Society in New Milford in 1979. Both were very instrumental in the club’s growth, where they held concerts, dances, and other functions including the famous annual Octoberfest on Route 7 in New Milford. They met many lifelong friends at the club as they carried on the German culture and traditions.

After Oscar’s passing, Helga, never one to quit, devoted her time to helping others. She volunteered at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Danbury Hospital, and many other places, too numerous to list — with the ultimate goal of helping others. She would transport elderly members to church, deliver food to those who needed it, check in with friends who were alone, all under the radar and never looking for any recognition.

She will be greatly missed by all but none more than by her ten grandchildren. “Omi” was the center of their universe, and they were the center of hers. She played a big role in all their lives from the time they were in diapers, through their college graduations and beyond. They brought her tremendous love and joy, melted her heart, made her laugh, and kept her young. Omi’s love, wisdom and life lessons will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt Pleasant Rd, Newtown on Saturday, August 26 at 10:30 am. Please consider a donation to Regional Hospice or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Association in lieu of flowers.