Helga Das

Helga (Bartel) Das

On June 21,2026 Helga Das left this earth to be reunited with her loving husband of 63 years Ajit Kumar Das. Along with Ajit, Helga is predeceased by her parents Emil Eduard and Alwine Emma (Heise) Bartel, her brother Otto Bartel, and his wife Edda Bartel all from Germany, father and mother-in-law Hrishikesh & Amiya Dass, brother-in-law Sunil K. Dass all from India and granddaughter Katarina Renee Das of New York.

Helga is survived by her three sons: Sujit Michael (Shelly) Das, Probir Matthew Das, and Sanjit Mark (Allison) Das. Grandchildren; Christina Marie Das, Tara Das (Wesley Sr.) Andrews, Danielle Lynn Hueston and Michael Patrick Hueston Jr.; Great Grandson Wesley Mark-Anthony Andrews Jr. and special friend Jasi Faker, relatives in Germany and India.

Helga or Meema as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren was born on October 21, 1940, in the country of Prussia, now known as Poland. After WWII her family settled in Radevormwald, Germany. Years later, Helga, a fiercely independent young woman, wanted to set off on a new adventure and upon turning eighteen she set out alone on a voyage across the Atlantic to New York City to start a new life for herself. It is there in NYC, she met the love of her life, Ajit, at a dance they were both attending as chaperones for each of their best friends. Helga and Ajit were inseparable and fell in love. They were married on December 30, 1962, in Wisconsin with their best friends from that dance in NYC as witnesses.

Helga and Ajit settled in Rochester, NY so Ajit could continue his studies at RIT. It was here in Rochester that Helga and Ajit raised their three boys, instilling in each the importance of education, hard work, and kindness.

Everyone was welcomed into their home and at their table. Ajit was a great chef, and Helga was his sous chef, and they loved to share their native cuisine with others. Helga loved to set a proper table with her fine China sets she brought with her from Germany and her special table linens. Many joyous gatherings happened around their table, and everyone always left with a full belly and happy hearts.

Ajit encouraged Helga to obtain her realtor license in Rochester and Helga excelled at real estate for over 52 years. One of Helga’s last activities while at Strong Memorial Hospital was making sure all her current clients were taken care of properly. True to her nature, always work hard. Together Helga and Ajit had many business endeavors and always treated people right.

Helga was a lifelong member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Helga and Ajit showed a commitment to the community that was unmatched. Every weekend their home became an assembly line of filling bags with food which they purchased with their own funds to distribute to local refugees. During Holidays poinsettias were added to the assembly line and hand delivered to every family and client they knew. Helga also volunteered her time at the local church.

Together for the last time they returned to India with their son Matthew and granddaughter Christina. Helga took her final trip and returned to her birthplace and Germany along with son Matthew and granddaughter Christina last year. While in Germany she was reunited with many family members in a joyous occasion.

Helga will forever be remembered fondly in many hearts, and she leaves a legacy of kindness behind… Liebe and freundschaft Meema!

The family would like to thank the wonderful, caring and compassionate staff and volunteers of Sunset House for their loving hospice care of Helga during her final weeks. In lieu of flowers a memorial gift may be sent to the following: The Sunset House, 3746 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester, NY 14617 or by clicking on the following link The Sunset House.