It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Helga Klee, on September 12th, at the age of 93.
Helga was born in Valkjarvi, Finnish Karelia on September 23, 1932. She lived a full and meaningful life. She will be remembered for her qualities of strength, determination and ingenuity, as well as for the many interests and pursuits that shaped her life.

Helga was an entrepreneur, with a savvy business sense. She took particular pleasure in travel and visited 48-plus countries. She valued her independence and had a positive attitude about life.
Helga is survived by her children Anne (Harold), Ralf (Andrea) and Marco (Patricia). She will be remembered by her grandchildren Erik (Tania), Kirsti (Oscar), Sarah, Sabrina and her great-grandson Ari.

At Helga’s request, the following poems have been included as part of this notice:

Now I am free, borne on the wind,
free to journey to the edge of timelessness.
I am the sparkle of a star, the flight of a cloud,
a delicate drop of dew in the morning.
I am not gone, but come to be with you,
with every rising morning,
and with every darkening evening,
I bid you a peaceful night.
By Vuokko Laatio (translated from Finnish)

I have shed far too many tears,
I have had much to regret,
I have known boundless joy
And given myself completely.
I have waded knee-deep through the mire,
I have savoured life with food and drink.
I have also come to know
what it is like when life deals a harsh blow.
Life still surges within my soul,
My heart beats with the fervour of youth,
Though I now dwell in the peace of old age,
And the day’s work has come to an end.
Now the hair on my head is turning gray,
And my back is slowly beginning to stoop.
Yet at times I play just as children do,
And live my youth all over again.
By Unknown (translated from Finnish)

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, November 1 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Humbervale Place – 1447 Royal York Road, Toronto, Ontario. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OSPCA.
Helga’s life and the mark she made on those around her will not be forgotten.