Helga F. La Fianza

Helga was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, in 1932, and was the youngest of eight children. She attended the University of Puerto Rico majoring in Office Administration. On a Wednesday night in April 1960, on a blind date, she met a young sailor, Bernard. In January 1962 they were married in Caguas. Thus started their adventure. Helga was a Navy wife for 18 years prior to eventually moving to Agoura Hills Ca. in 1980. Their Navy career saw Helga move 12 times in 18 years. New York, Georgia, Japan, Illinois, California, New York again, Guam, and California again. In 1980 Helga received a Commendation from the Navy for her years of service as a Navy wife and mother. 

 Helga had 4 children in the first 5 years of marriage, each born in a different state or country. Bernard Jr., New York. Javier, Puerto Rico. Rosana, Japan and Richard, Illinois. Javier passed in 2023. Helga was an active volunteer spending considerable time working with Catholic churches, multiple youth organizations and groups reaching out to less fortunate individuals and families. Notable were her years volunteering with Manna delivering food and supplies to shut-ins and helping Spanish speaking visitors at the Manna site.

Helga was a woman of incredible love, strength and resilience. In the face of great adversity, she found a way to persevere. After childbirth she suffered a stroke that took her ability to speak, yet she fought to regain her voice, a testament to the unwavering spirit that defined her life. Her deep catholic faith was a source of strength, shaping her into the remarkable woman she was.  Beyond her strength, she carried a sparkle and elegance, both in how she dressed and the way she looked at you. She had a way of making you feel truly seen as if you were the most important person in the room. Her presence was a gift, and she left an indelible mark on those she knew.

Helga is survived by her husband Bernard and 3 children, Bernard Jr., Rosana (Francisco Roman, Benjamin Roman, Novalea Roman), Richard (Mirna Parada Jurado) and grandchildren Peter and Michelle.