Helga Duell, 87, of Knotts Island, NC, formerly of Coudersport, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17, 2023, with her son by her side.

She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Helga was known by many as “Oma” and her heartfelt laugh and contagious smile will be remembered by all who knew her.

Helga was born on June 22, 1936, in Giessen, Germany, and she was the daughter of Adolf and Anna Pitz. She attended the Schiller School and later became a nanny to American families living in Germany. Helga met her husband, Judson, while he was stationed in Germany, and they were married on September 9, 1960.

Helga traveled to many states with her husband and children during Jud’s military career, with her dedicating her time to raising their three children.

They eventually settled in Coudersport, PA, where they lived for many years.

In time, she worked at the Market Basket, where she was loved by all her coworkers. Helga took great joy in spending time outdoors, as well as traveling. They often made the winter season more enjoyable by venturing to Florida to soak up the sunshine. Helga and Jud spent the last few years living in North Carolina, embracing a quiet life while also cherishing their time spent with family.

Helga was an avid collector of knickknacks and heirlooms, loved good thrift store finds, and was very creative, making many, many crafts with her grandchildren. She also greatly enjoyed tending to her garden, cooking, camping, and bowling. Helga’s dogs meant the world to her, and her dog Heidi was never far from her side throughout the years.

Helga is survived by her son, Joseph Duell, of Knotts Island, NC. She is preceded in death by her husband, Judson Duell II, her sons, John H. Duell and Judson R. Duell, III, her parents, and her siblings Hannelore, Anni, Erika, Adolf, and Otti. She will be forever remembered and cherished by her grandchildren, Ashley, Breanne, John, and Kyla, as well as her great-grandchildren.

While her passing comes with great sorrow for her family, it comes with great peace for her, as her and her husband’s brief time apart was more than their hearts could bear and they are now reunited again. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family with burial in Sweden Hill Cemetery. 

The family has entrusted Helga’s local arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport.  To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.