Helga Johanna Leon

Helga was raised in New York, New York after moving to the United States with her mother, father and sister at the age of 9. She had a long and rewarding career in administration where she served as right hand to the then-acting Chairmen of American Express and Merrill Lynch. After moving to Orlando, she accepted a position in the Orange County Sherriff’s office where she later retired. Of all the places she worked, she especially loved working at the Sherriff’s office and always spoke highly of all the staff and officers she worked with there.

Helga was a quiet, elegant woman, and a patron of many animal rescue organizations. She was particularly fond of cats and doted on her own feline companions, Penny, Pumpkin and Simon, each of whom was given a life of love and affection until it was their turn to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Some of her favorite pastimes were shopping for BOGOs at Publix and going to her favorite eatery, the Peach Valley Cafe. She was a meticulous record keeper, unconscious comedian and an enchanting storyteller. Some of her fondest memories, which she shared often, were of her early years on her grandparent’s farm in Germany. Though she never returned to Germany as an adult, she was proud of her German heritage and maintained her fluency in the language by watching the German channel and seeking out opportunities to converse with other German speakers.

She is survived by her son, Barry K. Leon, Sr., daughter-in-law, Marian C. Leon, grandchildren: Jason Ross (Gina), Nicholas Ross (Alicia), Barry Leon, Jr. (Tina) and Kelsie Leon Barry (Stephen), great-grandchildren: Caenric Ross, Caelan Ross, Connor Ross, Grayson Ross and Henley Barry, a niece, Kristin Kacher (Brian), and nephew, Marc Rotanz (Katie). She was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Anna Riekemann (nee Erdmann), sister, Elsbeth Rotanz, and great-grandson, Colin Ross.

For now, and for always, her memory and spirit will remain embedded within those she leaves behind.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Melech Hospice House for their care and kindness, and for helping her spend her final days in comfort and dignity.

A visitation for Helga will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A funeral service will occur Friday, July 11, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A committal service will occur Friday, July 11, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha, FL 34734.