Helga Sophie Monroe

Always strong, loving, honest and a little stubborn, Helga S. Monroe passed peacefully surrounded by her family, June 2, 2016. She was born June 13, 1929 in Darmstadt, Germany to Anna Maria Bechtel and Fritz Schlessiger. She always said growing up during the war gave her the strength to face anything. Working on an American base, she met Charles R. Monroe, an Army soldier from Virginia. He told her the first time he saw her beautiful brown eyes that he was going to marry her some day. They married in 1951. Shortly after that, “THE Mom,” as she was affectionately called, came to America. Aside from having her three children, she said earning her American citizenship was one of her proudest moments. The Army took the family around the world before eventually settling in El Paso. Once her children began school, Helga worked outside the home. Locally, she worked for an answering service for 28 years. Mom loved gardening and cooking wonderful meals for family and friends. One of her greatest joys was having family gatherings at the house. She loved reading and she loved animals. She loved watching the birds, especially hummingbirds, visit her backyard. Mom lost her loving husband in 2011. Left to cherish her are children Charles Monroe Jr. (Irmela), Michael Monroe (Patsy), Patricia Monroe (Gregory Burns), and her precious fur child Maggie. She is also survived by four grandchildren- Christine, Carolyn, Michael Jr. and Bryan, five great grandchildren, and loving family in Germany, including brother Walter, sister Heidi and numerous cousins. The family thanks Dr. Byron Chesbro, his staff, and the amazing nursing staff at Sierra. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the local Humane Society. So Mom, fly with the angels and dance with Dad. We celebrate you, and love you forever. Visitation: 6:00PM-8:00PM with a Rosary at 7:00PM Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Scripture Service: 9:00AM Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Committal Service: 11:00AM Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.