Birth date: Aug 13, 1930 Death date: Aug 13, 2020
Lilla Helbig (Martinez) of Boynton Beach passed away peacefully from old age with help from the virus on her 90th birthday, August 13, 2020. Like so many lost, she was much more than a statistic. Born in Queens, New York in 1930 Read Obituary
Knew Jim and Lilla in flushing ny, FDNY , visited them in 1980 in Boynton beach with my family. Cannot say enough in words my admiration for both. they lived in Commack ny briefly, sincere condolences in your loss
Growing up, I always got along with mom, but we never quite understood each other. I was so much like my dad while Linda and mom shared similar personalities and interests. They were the social ones who loved decorating and shopping.
And yet mom was always supportive of my interests. I made the high school years harder with band and clubs because it meant more work for mom - bake sales, car washes, band practice, etc.
The best times were family dinners with relatives. I always enjoyed seeing mom with her brother Tony and sisters Lee and Ruthie because I saw a different side of her - more fun and carefree. All she and Aunt Ruthie needed were a glass of wine for them to be laughing and having a great time.
She got a job for the 1st and only time in her married life to help pay for my college tuition. We even worked together one summer at a sewing supplies packing company. She made some great friends at that job as she did in any group she joined.
She and Dad made a great team - as all who knew them would agree. She took great care of him. If they ever argued, it was never in front of us kids.
Returning home after grad school allowed me to really get to know mom better. After Dad passed, we became even closer. My goal was to improve her quality of life, and I think I did that. Linda and I got her through colon cancer, knee surgery, and pneumonia.
I kept her busy walking and exercising, doing water aerobics at the gym, going to fun movies (animation, comedies, musicals), attending stage shows (at Kravis and Broward Center). Even once she was no longer active, she still enjoyed sitting in her wheelchair at Lake Ida Park under a shady tree near the boat ramp to watch the activity on the lake.
She loved kids and was an important part of her grandchildren’s lives.
Confined to the memory care facility for the last year was not easy. But she always recognized Linda and me and was happy to see us.
I’ll be missing her every day.
Doris Helbig
When I met Linda back in 1977 I didn’t realize at the time how it would affect my life.
Being from another state and not having any family here, Lilla became my “adopted Mom”; she was not going to let me spend holidays and special occasions alone. I was always invited to family dinners and outings. My own parents were so grateful to Lilla and Jim that on one trip to Florida they said “they had to meet the Helbigs and thank them for watching over me.”
Lilla was a wonderful person and became a “Mom” to whoever needed one. She was just that kind and giving. I will miss her.
Although I have only known you for a short time I appreciated how you accepted me like part of your family. I remember watching the golf tournaments on tv with you. You always reminded me how much you enjoyed playing with your husband. I never got to meet him but sounds like he was a very special person. I know you were an important part of Linda’s family. Her boys like to share stories about fishing in the canal and sitting down to one of your yummy meals. I could see and feel your frustration over the past few years when your health started to deteriorate. It would make me feel good when I could get you to smile and laugh during those tough times. It never stopped you from bragging to whomever you talked to about how your daughters were taking good care of you. I know they included you whenever possible in any special events they were attending.
You should be very proud of the example you set for your family. I am sure they will continue and pass on what you shared with them to their children. As I said you always made me feel welcome and I along with your family will miss you.
Chuck Mondo
Here are some of the activities we took mom to.
Miami Dolphin game and she picked up two good looking service men in the parking lot after the game. We went to a Marlins and a Royals game, Marilyns fashions shows every year, the Honda Classic for years even with dad. A trip to the Keys and the sombrero was on her birthday a couple years back at La Bamba. Where she enjoyed her favorite drink Sangria. We went to a tea with my girlfriend and family. One of the few pics with the three of us with mom at my brothers sons wedding in Ocala. Plus our crazy pic of trying to do a selfie.
Mom,
Where do I start.
I guess when I became a mom with my first son Timothy. I chose to go back to work six weeks after giving birth because you and dad agreed to take care of him. I couldn’t have picked a more caring and loving person then you their grandma. You and dad continued with Kevin and Michael. I was so thankful for the both of you. You loved every minute with them. After you moved to Boynton from Pompano and all my boys were in school you loved your exercise. You walked at the nearby park doing your laps and socializing with the neighbors. Mom you were friendly to everyone and helped anyone in need. So I have learned from the best. Loved when you would get together with your sister Ruth you both loved wine and laugh so much. I knew you and dad loved going on the road trips to NY to visit your brother and family and your sister Lee. Then you all would go to the cabin on Schroon Lake. Glad me and the boys joined you all at the cabin good memories. Mom you always had a positive attitude and a smile on your face. You lived to take care of dad and when we lost dad 10 years ago it broke your heart. You missed him so much. Doris and I did our best to keep you smiling. Mom you had some tough battles colon cancer and a knee replacement but you pulled through. But the next battle you didn’t understand it took your laughter, that beautiful smile and your spirit, Dementia. I’m so glad we had so much time with you and enjoyed fishing, golfing, and walking the park. Hopefully you are at peace and reunited with dad.
Love your daughter Linda Lovatt
