Wilhelmine Unger or Helmi as she became known was born on 16 February 1927 in Werl, Germany to proud parents Johan and Maria Unger. She was one of eight children in the Unger family. Her early life in Germany was not easy, like for many at the time she faced many hardships including the disappearance of a family member to the regime and the loss of a brother in the war in the battle that was subsequently portrayed in the film the guns of Navarone, a film she could never watch.

 
However, Helmi/Mum was a very courageous and determined lady who despite everything managed to qualify as nurse and collected her nursing certificate despite it putting her in personal danger as she had to risk crossing into the Communist side of Berlin to collect it.  Travel to and from this area was strictly forbidden and many people were arrested or shot doing so.  Despite being stopped by Russian guards she somehow managed to talk her way out of the situation and safely returned with the vital papers. Whilst working in the NAAFI canteen she met a dashing young soldier who had been posted there with his regiment, she took a shine to the soldier and saved him a cake under the counter so he didn’t miss out. The soldier was of course Ronald Firman whom she fell in love with.
She relocated to England and in November 1949 she married Ron, the husband that she adored for 52 years of marriage and a new chapter began for her. However, as a German lady in Suffolk just after the war, she did not have a pleasant time but her determination to achieve, her incredible hard work, discipline and loyalty meant that she became a very well respected and liked member of the community.

She had four children Christine, Robert, Mike and Ray who she doted on although she was heartbroken when Christine died in 1975 at just 21 years old.
Still, she had the boys to focus on and determined as ever she did everything she could for them. She worked as a nurse at Anglesea Road, St Helens and Ipswich Hospitals where she was extremely well thought of. However, Mum also worked as an agent for Hearts of Oak Friendly Society going out on her motorbike or her Robin reliant car to collect payments.  Once again, her kind nature prevailed here and she would often stay to make a cup of tea and chat to elderly customers.
When Helmi retired from nursing, she remained at Ipswich Hospital working as a technician in CSSD preparing all of the sterile instruments needed in the operating theatres.
Mum was however not all work and no play and as well as dancing which her and dad enjoyed greatly and were very good at they also enjoyed bowling, gardening and travelling. They often visited family in Germany or holidayed across Europe as a couple or with family and friends.

Helmi and Ron moved into the newly built house at 488 Bramford Lane and they lived there happily throughout their married life, bringing up their family and in turn welcoming to their family their daughter in laws, grandchildren and their partners. When Dad died Mum stayed in the family home for 4 years but made the hard decision that it was too big for her to maintain alone, and she moved to St Peters Court where she made new friends and had many happy years.

Mum loved the feeling of community at St Peters Court and organised many activities for the residents including Bingo, Scrabble and Uno.  She also liked to spend time sitting chatting with Sheila and other residents by the front doors so she could see what was going on. Whilst she was able to get into Ipswich Mum also enjoyed attending the Wednesday Fellowship and Outreach, Zipper Club, U3A and The Key amongst others clubs and groups.

After falling and fracturing her hip in 2019 she needed more support so Vicky, Heather and their wonderful team of carers at Clover Homecare were able to provide exceptional help to Mum. This was especially important particularly during Covid which had a dreadful impact on her as she could not understand why she was not allowed visitors and Vicky was her sole carer for several months to limit the chance of her contracting the virus.

Mum was always devoted to her family and no more so than when her great grandchildren arrived. Caleb, the late Sophia, Amelie, Eloise, Poppy, Orla and Evie gave her much delight and even when she was in the grips of dementia she was always cheered by a visit from the great grandchildren.

After taking a sudden turn for the worse over the New Year Mum had to move into residential care and she was made very welcome at Sherrington House and everyone, carers, managers, housekeeping and kitchen staff were all so friendly and helpful to her, even making a cake to celebrate her 97th birthday.

When Dad died in 2002 Mum’s first thought was “I wish Christine was here” and now although we all wish Mum was here, we take comfort from the fact that she is now reunited with her beloved Ron and Christine.

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