Helga Anni (Fahlke) Stoica

Helga Anni (Fahlke) Stoica, 94, of Highland, Indiana, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Helga was born on May 26, 1931 in Königsberg, Germany. She began her life deeply loved and cared for by her parents, Elise and Fritz Stolz and her sister, Eva (Stolz) Krause. Helga was a World War II survivor and refugee, which shaped her devout Christian faith, unwavering courage, and sincere compassion for others. After the war, she pursued her education at a local business college in Germany, where she became a successful legal secretary. In time, she was one of the few women in town with both her own apartment and car – an accomplishment she was immensely proud of her entire life. Years later, mutual friends introduced Helga by photograph to her future husband, John A. Stoica, who had already immigrated to America. Their beautiful love story unfolded through heartfelt letters, ultimately leading to marriage and Helga’s journey to immigrate to the United States. Together, John and Helga pursued their “American Dream,” which began with buying a new home in Highland, Indiana.

Although Helga did not yet speak English, her impressive typing skills earned her a position as a secretary in downtown Chicago. She quickly learned the English language and embraced her new culture. After starting a family a few years later, Helga became a stay-at-home mother. Helga’s love for her family was unending. She always went above and beyond for her kids (and later, grandkids) to give them the opportunities she never had. As her children became adults, Helga began working as a cashier at Strack and Van Til, where she was a familiar, friendly face in the community for 10 years.

Helga is survived by her son, John B. (Jenny) Stoica and her daughter, Heidi (Stoica) Pierce; her grandchildren, Erica Stoica, Joseph (Ivy) Stoica, Madison Pierce, and Alexander Pierce. She was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Stoica, and many loved ones.

Helga, affectionately known to many as “Oma,” was a beloved member of the community. She found great joy in her work at Mission Bible Church, where she was the secretary for the senior Sunday School class known as “The Suburanites” for decades. Helga also volunteered at Community Hospital for 19 years. Helga had a structured routine and fiery passion for “workin’ out,” which included playing tennis with her friends at Match Point, walking the track at Lincoln Center, and lifting weights in the gym - all of which she continued well into her nineties. Helga was the consummate host, always looking forward to the next family gathering at her home and preparing abundant ethnic and American dishes. Helga additionally had a deep appreciation for her friendships, so much so that she considered many to be family. Her radiant, loving spirit will be greatly missed and cherished forever. May her memory be eternal.

A visitation to honor Helga will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 9:00-11:30 am at Hillside Funeral Home, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road), Highland, Indiana, Rev. Don Rector officiating. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at 1:15 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Schererville, Indiana. Afterwards, family and friends are invited to a luncheon at Mission Bible Church in Highland, Indiana.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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