July 16, 1920 – August 18, 2021
The Los Angeles Time, Los Angeles, California, Sunday, August 29, 2021
Helga (101) was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Died in West Hollywood, California. Graduated from Flora Stone Mather College, Western Reserve University, in Cleveland in 1941. Pursued the career she wanted as Continuity Director of radio station WHK, and later, radio-television director of the Marcus Advertising Agency. Worked in New York City from 1945 to 1947 as a script writer and publicist.
Moved to Los Angeles in 1953, married, had three children. Became active in community affairs; PTA President, Los Feliz Elementary School; United Crusade Chairman, Hollywood Council; Cheerful Helpers for Handicapped Children; Los Angeles Free Clinic in Hollywood. Continued her education at Cal State, L.A., earning a lifetime secondary teaching credential, an M.A. in Special Education, and a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor’s License.
Helga taught English from 1969 to 1992 at Burbank High School and Monterey Continuation School in Burbank. After retirement from the school system, she taught ESL at ORT from 1997 to 2009. She was an instructor at the General Studies Department at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and later, its Faculty Coordinator for Instructor Training and Development. Since 1987, Helga hosted and produced a weekly interview show for the American Radio Network.
She is survived by her son, James Sitkin (Lafayette, CA), son Alan Sitkin (London, UK), daughter Susan Geraghty (Summerville, SC), their spouses Sue, Verna, and Brendan, and grandchildren, Lea, Daniel, Rachel, Lena, Nicole, Eva, and Michael.
Instead of flowers, please consider a contribution to a charity of your choice in Helga’s name.
