Helga Mund Hamilton

In a prayer just before her passing, Helga’s husband, Richard Hamilton, said, “Most people come to this world to learn to love. Others come to teach others how to love-and that was your mission, Mama, which you filled completely.”

Helga was born in Braunschweig, Germany and came to America by steamship in her early 20’s after a year of nannying and learning English at Cambridge. Hearing of her journey, a family friend remarked, “She had chutzpah!” She was a strong woman who knew what she wanted, no matter how hard it was, and she followed through to her goal.

Wherever she lived, Helga sought out and nurtured relationships with family, neighbors, church friends, and any German person she could find; additionally, she opened her home to a foster son, Stephen, and a family from Cambodia. Her particular gift in expressing her love and care for others came in the beautiful preparation of meals for all who might benefit. Whether in her home around her table, or taken to a neighbor in need, everything she cooked became an extraordinary and magical gift of love.

Above all other relationships, Helga treasured her relationship with her husband Richard, and with her family. She had dreams of the day when grandchildren would come, and regularly acted as “the chamber of commerce” as she was lovingly referred to by one competing in-law, to encourage everyone to move and live near her. She would reach out with phone calls, leaving loving messages, and stop by for just a few moments, seeking to connect with those she cherished. Helga did have her favorites- Who? The one who happened to be in front of her at the moment! There was no question that she loved each member of her family and everyone was beautiful in her eyes.

Helga had a firm and abiding faith in God. She took her children to Easter and Christmas services when they were little. Later, she followed her husband Richard in being baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her testimony was small at first, but grew into a quiet, but strong faith in Him when she received personal witness that He knew her and loved her. Beyond faithful weekly church attendance, Helga read her scriptures, loved BYU TV, and looked forward to General Conference twice a year, especially when Elders Busche and Uchtdorf delivered their talks/sermons.

Living was a joy-from keeping a beautiful home and garden, to travel and road trips, summer outings with her coworkers from the German Consulate, weekly drives, listening to classical music, watching operas, reading, singing, Christmas, as well as dressing in lovely clothes, and not least, watching her children and grandchildren perform- and always, always gathering people together in her home just to be together.

Mama, you are deeply missed and will always be loved and remembered with greatest fondness.

Helga is survived by her husband, Richard Hamilton, their three children and spouses
(Heidi and Chris Burnard, Heike and Rodney Smith, and Hans and Katherine Hamilton), thirteen grandchildren (Ryan, Brandon, Stephanie, Katrina, Lara, Jessica, Joshua, Hannah, Caleb, Caitlyn, Nathan, Reed, and Spencer), and seven great grandchildren (Cassidy, William, Benjamin, Frederick, Jacob, Oliver, and Scottie). She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Konrad Mund and his wife (Hannelore), as well as their daughters (Annette and Frederike) and their families. Helga was preceded in death by her former son-in-law, Derek Nelson.

With grateful hearts, the family would like to thank the staff and residents of Convington in Lehi and Serenity Hospice of Utah for the love and care they daily gave our sweet Mama.

A graveside service will be held for Helga on Friday, January 24th at 1pm at the Orem City Cemetery.