Helga (Hoff) Meehleder

Helga Meehleder, 89, passed away surrounded by her family, Thursday June 1, 2023 at Charlene Manor Extended Care Facility.

Born in Rognan Norway, March 5, 1934, to Birger and Florence (Lund) Hoff, Helga studied in Norway and abroad, finishing with a degree in English. She worked at the American Embassy in Oslo, Norway until she came to the United States in 1960. Aside from her birthplace, she called many places home, including California, Michigan, Eastern MA and eventually settled in Turners Falls, MA to be closer to her family. While Norway always held a special place in her heart, she deeply loved the United States. One of her proudest and happiest moments happened on the day she became an American citizen.

Helga was active and full of energy well into her 80’s. She was outspoken, fiercely independent and never met a stranger. She was kind and generous to family, friends, and all furry creatures great and small. She was a talented artist and knitter, enjoyed walking and hiking with her beloved dog, Liten, going to the summer Coop concerts at the Energy Park, and attending services at the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield. She was also a proud member of the Sons of Norway for many years. Indeed, she lived a very full and interesting life, but her greatest joy was being with her family. She was especially proud of her grandchildren.

Helga leaves her son James Meehleder Jr. and his wife Stephanie of Greenfield, grandchildren Kai Pratt of Warwick, MA, and Marcy (Olivia) of Greenfield. In addition, she leaves her extended children, Disa Pratt, Daniel Lucey, Douglas Stubenbordt and also, her beloved cat, Charlie.

In Norway, she leaves her sister-in-law and of heart, Kari Hoff, her nieces Sibeth and Sighild, her nephews Stig Hendrik and Roland and many great nieces and nephews.

Dearest Farmor, may you rest in peace knowing how deeply loved and appreciated you were. We are all better for knowing you.

Calling hours will be Saturday, June 24 from 10-12 at Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield.

In lieu flowers, memorial donations in Helga’s name may be made to:

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter

10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls, MA. 01376 https://www.fcrdogkennel.org/

or

Sons of Norway Foundation, 1455 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408. https://www.sofn.com/

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