Helga Eleonore Pazder

Helga was the eldest of four daughters born to Ludwig and Anna Mahler in Würzburg/Germany. She was a vivacious child schooled in Gerbrunn, a small village outside of Würzburg, Germany. When deciding what she wanted to learn, to contribute to the family, she thought about her father’s profession as a barber and decided to follow in his footsteps, as a beautician. She learned the craft interning at a popular hair salon and found she had a natural talent for it.

While frequenting a small Bierstube (German beer bar) where American servicemen sampled the German Brew, she caught the eye of a young American soldier named Tom. Despite being on a date with another young man, Helga slipped Tom a note. That chance encounter was the beginning of their beautiful love story. She and Tom married in Germany and moved to the United States. From their first meeting, to the end of his life, Helga was Tom’s “Schöne Frau” (beautiful woman).

Helga and Tom were married for 64 years and had a son, Dan, and a daughter, Judy. Family life filled most of Helga’s time, and she found a passion for tennis once the children were in school. Tom’s job relocations with Merrill Lynch through the country were challenging, but she mastered them with grace and optimism.

Upon Tom’s retirement they settled in Sarasota, Florida where they spent their remaining years. As always, Helga stepped into her position as First Mate to her Captain Tom. They were longtime members of the Sarasota Yacht Club. Helga and her Captain took many wonderful boat trips up and down the west coast of Florida, and often travelled back to Germany to visit family and friends.

Sadly, Helga has passed away on January 29, 2024 following her husband’s passing on January 14, 2024. It seems they just could not be without each other.

Helga is predeceased by her son Daniel Pazder (1984). She is survived by her daughter Judy Leonard (Richard), grandsons Jake Latyschow, Max Latyschow and Kevin Leonard, and her sisters Ursula (Marianne) Suhr and Daniela Mahler.

A short service will be held for Helga and Tom (with Military Honors for Tom) on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, which would have been their 64th wedding anniversary. Guests should arrive at 12:40pm at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Monty’s Home www.montyshome.org