Helen Elaine (Schlueter) Borgula

1928 ~ 2024

Helen Elaine (Schlueter) Borgula, born on March 26, 1928, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024 in Livonia, MI surrounded by her family. Helen was the beloved wife of the late Donald L. Borgula, with whom she shared 39 beautiful years before his passing in 1989. A memorial service was held on June 25, 2024 in Livonia. She was 96.

Helen was born to the late August and Mildred Schlueter in Arcadia, MI. After the passing of Mildred in 1929, August married Lydia (Wakulat) Schlueter in 1932 and the family moved to Benzonia, and later to the Judd Estate in Good Harbor in 1934, where they lived and worked. August built his family a home in Leland, where they moved in 1938. While Helen was in high school, she lived with and worked for the Cordes family in Leland for a year, helping them with their 10 children. She graduated from Leland High School in 1946. After graduation, Helen moved downstate to attend beautician school, during which time she met her husband Donald L. Borgula. Helen was a dedicated and hard-working woman throughout her life. She managed a hair salon, worked in the Michigan Bell Collections Department, and served as the bookkeeper for the family contracting business. Her culinary skills were exceptional, and she had a particular passion for baking.

Helen is survived by her children, Don (Melissa) Borgula and Janice K. Tash, grandchildren Donald M. (Stephanie) Borgula Jr., Javen C. (Katie) Borgula, Joel A. (Kristen) Borgula, Zachary B. Tash, Jessica R. Giesler, Shelby R. (Matt) Tash, and Lisa A. (Sonny) Levine, seven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Along with her parents and husband, Helen was predeceased by her brothers Carl O. Schlueter, Paul Schlueter, and Harold Schlueter, and her sister Eleanora A. Schlueter. She is also survived by her sister Marie E. (Schlueter) Fornoff of Easton, PA, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Helen was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness and a longstanding member of the West Livonia Congregation. Her unwavering faith made her a pillar of her community and a source of inspiration to many. Her intense love for God and people was evident in everything she did. Helen always found the good in others, embodying kindness, consideration, and compassion. Her positive attitude and ability to see the glass as half full were hallmarks of her character, providing comfort and strength to her family.

Helen’s memory will forever live on in our hearts and minds. She was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Helen will be deeply missed by her family and friends.