Helga W. Luhrs, 77, passed away at home with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 from leukemia. Helga was born in Berlin, Germany on March 4, 1937 to her parents Margarete and Kurt Brendel.

Helga was raised in Germany during the years of World War II under the most difficult circumstances. When Berlin was about to be attacked by the Allied forces, Helga's mother with her four children left Berlin and traveled through various countries in Europe to save themselves. Coming back after one year, their house was gone.

After finishing school, Helga entered into an apprenticeship to become a seamstress and she worked on Kurfurstendam in Berlin. In 1957, Helga immigrated to the United States and became a citizen in 1971. She began a job on Bergenline Avenue in West New York, New Jersey, Reba's Dress Shop, creating bridal dresses by hand. On August 27, 1961, Helga married Gunther H. Luhrs at St. John Church located in West New York, New Jersey. In 1963, Helga and her family moved to Dutchess County and in 1966 to Hopewell Junction, Town of East Fishkill, where they still live. Helga worked at Lascala's Bridal Shop in the Dutchess Mall until 1987 when she started her own bridal store, Helga's Bridal Shop, in the family owned office building on Route 82 in Hopewell Junction. She created many beautiful dresses including her daughter's prom dress, wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses.

Helga enjoyed playing golf with her husband and grandsons, and in the 18-hole ladies league. She had three hole-in-one achievements at the Casperkill (IBM) Golf Course. She enjoyed gardening and going on cruises in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada. She also enjoyed attending craft shows with her daughter, and created many Christmas ornaments by hand. She loved walking in the park, going to flower and antique shops, watching hummingbirds, or just relaxing in the warm sunshine.

Helga is survived by her husband, Gunther; her daughter, Christine Gill with her husband Shane; her sister, Margret Klimek with her husband Rudy; her brother, Lothar; her daughter-in-law, Bonnie Luhrs; and her four grandsons, Steven Luhrs with wife Jennifer, Brian Luhrs, Mitchell Luhrs, and Corey M. Gill. Helga is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Annalise and Mason Luhrs. She was predeceased by her parents, Margarete and Kurt Brendel; her brother, Horst; and her two sons, Joachim and Michael.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 1-3 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The funeral service will follow at 3 pm with Rev. Taylor W. Holbrook officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the East Fishkill Rescue Squad, PO Box 413, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit Helga's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.