Mrs. Helga Ann Lijana

Helga Ann (Algermissen) Lijana passed away peacefully on September 10, 2014 at the age of 76, in Palm Harbor, Florida. Helga was born August 6, 1938 in Bremen, Germany. Along with her mother and great-aunt and great-uncle, she emigrated to the United States from Munchen, Bavaria, after experiencing the ravages of World War II. She married Raymond Lijana in Dearborn, Michigan, and raised six children, Robert Lijana (Annette), Richard Lijana (Mindy), Karla Lijana- Belanger (Edward), Carol Mears (Barry), Karin Lijana-Matura (Michael), Timothy Grogan (Vicki). She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Rachel and Nicole; Veronica and Valerie; Alex and Lucas; Amanda; Madeline, Max, and Michael; Andrew. Helga cherished her family and always put others before herself. She was an amazing mother, an excellent cook, a selfless friend, a loving grandmother, and a phenomenal homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, dancing, golfing, bowling, and spending time with her friends and family. All her life she possessed an incredible work ethic, mental fortitude, and moral determination, that was second to none. Her strength and positive attitude, especially during her declining physical health, were exemplary. Helga’s ashes will be placed along side Ray’s at the Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at the Chapel By The Sea, 54 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, Florida, on September 28, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation. Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home Clearwater, Fl 33759 Sylvanabbey.com