Helga Mahler Whittaker

Helga Mahler Whittaker, 95, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

Helga was born and raised in Germany. She spent her teen years in the midst of World War II, being sent from Berlin to Northern Germany to live with an Aunt during the end of the War. She captured many of her experiences in a book she wrote entitled, “Life On The Other Side.” In 1958, at the age of 29, she moved to New Orleans where she was resided with her sister Gunde and worked at Tulane University. She married, and became a house wife and mother to her three boys. She worked as an administrative assistant at the Orleans Levee Board, where she retired after many years of service. She also worked at the German Consulate, in New Orleans, teaching German and doing interpretive work. She wrote a textbook, entitled, “Hochdeutch, As Spoken and Taught by a German,” to assist students in learning her native language. 

Helga’s hobbies included, knitting, gardening, and cooking. Not a soul entered her home without being offered coffee, cookies, and cake. Her famous Prosit, “Good Health” toast was heard before every meal without fail. She was a great friend to anyone she met, finding only the good in every family member or friend. After converting to Catholicism, she remained active and steadfast in her Catholic Faith, serving in the church choir and as a lector. Even though homebound over the past year, she looked forward to receiving Jesus in the Eucharist every Sunday. 

Helga was preceded in death by her husband, Merrill Whittaker, Sr.; and parents, Gustav and Inge Mahler.

She is survived by three sons, Merrill R. Whittaker, Jr. (Claire), Mark Whittaker, and Scott Whittaker; three grandchildren, Meghan DeHarde (Craig), Jennifer Czartoszewsky, and Olivia Whittaker; great-grandson, Brock DeHarde; sister, Gunde Cusick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at St. Mark Catholic Church: 10773 River Road, Ama, LA 70031. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Helga Mahler Whittaker.