Getrude Leila (Girlie) Helfet (1914 - 1992)

Gertrude Leila Helfet, known as Girlie, is my 1st cousin 2x removed and also my Godmother. Helfet family HERE

Parents: Leon Helfet (1877 - 1945) and Sarah Ann Levin (1880 - 1953)

Tombstones for her parents Leon Helfet and Sarah Ann Levin. They are both buried in the Pinelands no 1 Jewish Cemetery in Cape Town, South Africa

Born: 29 July 1914 in Calvinia, South Africa

HELFET.-On Wednesday, the 29th of July, at Calvinia, C.P., South Africa, to Mr. and Mrs. Leon Helfet (née Sara Levin, of Liverpool), a daughter (Gertrude Leila). (Jewish Chronicle 4 September 1914)

Early photo

Ceres

Cape province

Dec 6th 1914

Dearest Hannah (her sister-in-law)

Am sending you, at last, a photo of my little family. Only regret that my dear hubby is not with us, but as there is such a good photographer here, it was an opportunity not to be missed, especially as I wanted to introduce you to my darling little Girlie. She is very tiny here but T.G. she is really a splendid child for her age.

Baba is in his favourite cadet attitude. It is too bad that he is not smiling, for smile come far more natural to him than seriousness in fact it was quite an effort for him to keep his face straight and you will see in Esther’s that the smile is nearly bursting through. Hope you like our little group. 

Sincerely trust all is well with you all.

Do write, dear, am longing to hear from you again.

With ever fond love from us all to you and your loving sister. Sara

The picture is as follows: Ceres, Cape Province, South Africa, December 1914. L-R, Cyril Helfet, Girlie Helfet (on the maid Esther's lap), Arnold Helfet, Sara Helfet and Arthur Helfet

Cape Town, about 1921. Sarah Helfet with her 3 youngest children. At left is Girlie, at the back is Miriam Pearl and on the right is Theodore Herzl

Married: Isadore (Issie) Meyers on 7 March 1937 in Cape Town, South Africa. Girlie was age 22 and Issie age 30

Antenuptial contract for Girlie and Issie dated 18 January 1937

Marriage of Girlie and Issie Meyers in Sea Point, Cape Town on 7 March 1937

Children

Their first child was born in 1938 when Girlie was 24 and Issie 32. Their last child was born in 1946 when Girlie was 31 and Issie 39

• Avril Nola Meyers 1938 - 2012
• Pamela Meyers 1942 - 2020
• Leone Hilary Meyers 1946 -

Travel to England and Europe in 1949

Girlie and her mother Sara travelled to England on 7 April 1949 aboard the Bloemfontein arriving in Southampton on 24 April 1949. They returned to South Africa on 22 July 1949, as per Sara's diary

Photo 

Girlie with her siblings and their spouses in Cape Town on 23 January 1960. Back row: Cyril Helfet, Edna Helfet (Nee Landsman), Arnold Helfet, Theo Helfet, Celia Helfet (Nee Polen), Arthur Helfet. Front row Girlie Meyers (Nee Helfet), Cynthia Helfet (Nee Bernstein), Nathalie Helfet (Nee Freedman) 

Biographical information

Girlie, born in 1914, studied music at the Cape Town University and then joined the Civil Service in Pretoria. She married a Chemist, I. Meyers, in Pretoria, and has three daughters. (a biographical extract written by her brother Arthur)

Letter

A letter from Girlie to my parents dated 8 April 1956 congratulating them on their wedding.

Telegram

Telegram from Issie and Girlie Meyers, their daughter Nola, Arnold and Edna Helfet and their boys sent from Pinelands in Cape Town to Johannesburg on 11 March 1972 congratulating me on my Barmitzvah. Girlie and her family were unable to attend as it clashed with the wedding of their nephew Leon Helfet, who married Ellen Nouens in Cape Town on 12 March 1972

Pictures

A very poor quality photo of Issie and Girlie (at left) with my grandparents Marcus and Zella Levin at the Kruger National Park, South Africa in the late 1950s

Pretoria 1959. L-R, Rosalie (Dinkie) Morris (Nee Wasserman) holding Clive Wasserman with his brother Anthony in front of him, Pamela Meyers, my mom Ruth, my sister Sarah-Nan getting a piggyback from my grandmother Zella Levin, and at the far right is Girlie Meyers. In the second photo Issie Meyers is added between my mother and Girlie Meyers; Leonie Meyers is at the back on the far right, and my grandfather Marcus Levin, smoking his habitual pipe, is now seated next to his wife Zella Levin. Seated on the far left is Ettie Morris and on the far right is Abe Morris

Pretoria 1959. L-R, My sister Sarah-Nan, behind her is Leonie Meyers, then Pamela Meyers, and at the far right is Girlie

Girlie with her grandchildren Gary and Sara Galanti, mid to late 1970s

Girlie Helfet at left in Johannesburg, September 1991

Death

29 March 1992 in Pretoria, South Africa at age 77, from breast cancer. She is buried in the Jewish section of the Rebecca Street cemetery section D, location no 13, grave no 2717

Residences

In Calvinia Girlie and her family lived at Carmel Villa in 19 Pastorie Street, which her father Leon had built. It is now a bed and breakfast establishment

In Pretoria the family lived at 75 Nicolson St, Bailey`s Muckleneuk, Pretoria, South Africa. I remember a giant cactus in one corner of the garden

At the time of Issie's death in 1973 he and Girlie were living at 9 Lynwood Hof, the Ring, Lynwood, Pretoria, South Africa 

Leon Michael Helfet (1950 - 1952)

Leon Michael Helfet is my 2nd cousin 1x removed. Helfet family HERE. He was named for his paternal grandfather, Leon Helfet (1877 - 1945)

Parents: Arnold Helfet (1911 - 1983) and Edna Landsman (1921 - 2024)

Born: 23 December 1950 in Cape Town, South Africa

Death

29 February 1952 (3 Adar 5712) at age 14 months of pneumonia at the Leeuwendal Nursing Home, 3 Derwent Road, Gardens,Cape Town, South Africa. He was buried on the same day in the Pinelands 1 cemetery in Cape Town, South Africa, grave no 4291

Death certificate for Leon Michael Helfet

Jewish death register for Leon Michael Helfet

Tombstone for Leon Helfet. Inscription: Leon Michael, beloved infant son of Arnold and Edna Helfet, 29 February 1952

Residence

Leon lived with his family at 40 Forest Drive, Pinelands, Cape Town, South Africa. The bottom photo was taken by Jon Helfet on a visit to Cape Town in 2025

Edna Landsman (1921 - 2024)

Edna Landsman is the wife of Arnold Helfet, my 1st cousin 2x removed. Helfet family HERE

Parents: Jack Landsman (1894 - 1939) and Yetta Benson (1894 - 1968)

Born: 11 August 1921 in George, South Africa

Married: Arnold Helfet on 7 September 1941 in South Africa. Arnold was age 30 and Edna age 20

First page of Edna and Arnold's ante-nuptial contract dated Cape Town 4 September 1941

Children

Their first child was born in 1943 when Arnold was 32 and Edna 21. Their last child was born in 1953 when Arnold was 42 and Edna 32 

• Linda Gail Helfet 1943 -
• Edsel Keith Helfet 1946 -
• Leon Michael Helfet 1950 - 1952
• Clive Helfet 1953 - 

Edna in Cape Town in October 1946 with her children Linda and Keith

Edna (in the centre) with my mom (at right) and her friend Mavis Lipkin at left in Dalesbrook, Cape Town in January 1955

Edna with Arnold's siblings and their spouses in Cape Town on 23 January 1960. Back row: Cyril Helfet, Edna Helfet (Nee Landsman), Arnold Helfet, Theo Helfet, Celia Helfet (Nee Polen), Arthur Helfet

Front row Girlie Meyers (Nee Helfet), Cynthia Helfet (Nee Bernstein), Nathalie Helfet (Nee Freedman) 

Travel

Arnold and Edna travelling from Cape Town to Southampton on the Dominion Monarch arriving on 7 August 1952 and then returning from Southampton to Cape Town on the Oranjefontein on 26 November 1952

Edna flying from Rome to New York on 2 June 1958

Telegram

Telegram from Issie and Girlie Meyers, their daughter Nola, Arnold and Edna Helfet and their boys sent from Pinelands in Cape Town to Johannesburg on 11 March 1972 congratulating me on my Barmitzvah

Biographical details

Plett local Edna Helfet celebrates her 100 Year Birthday!

Women’s Day was celebrated on Monday the 9th of August 2021 and Edna is definitely a woman worth celebrating.

Renowned Plett local Edna Helfet celebrated her 100 year birthday at the Barrington’s Brewery on Wednesday the 11 August 2021.

For those who haven’t had the good fortune to meet Edna, here is a brief, beautifully penned biography from her family.

‘Edna Helfet came into the world as Edna Landsman on August 11, 1921, in George, Western Cape. She would live in Calvinia, Cape Town, and Boston before returning “home” to Plettenberg Bay in 2001, a mere fifty miles from where she was born.

With her beloved Arnold, she raised three children in Cape Town and traveled to the four corners of the earth. A long-time member of the Black Sash, an anti-Apartheid protest organization, and a volunteer for many years with the South African Council of Churches Dependants Conference, an organization that facilitated visits by family members to political prisoners on Robben Island.

The venerable matriarch of her far-flung family, she’s the loving grandmother of five and great-grandmother to five more.

Edna has led an extraordinarily well-lived life (13 August 2021, 

https://showme.co.za/plett/interactive/local-personalities/plett-local-edna-helfet-celebrates-her-100-year-birthday/)

Two pictures of Edna celebrating her 100th birthday

Death

17 April 2024 at age 102 in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Obituary

OBITUARY FOR EDNA HELFET

EDNA HELFET DIED ON APRIL 17, 2024

Born Edna Landsman in George, Western Cape, she would go on to live in Calvinia, Cape Town, and Boston before returning “home” to Plettenberg Bay, a mere fifty miles from where she was born, in 2001. With her beloved husband Arnold, she raised three children in Cape Town and travelled to the four corners of the earth.

Edna was a long-time member of the Black Sash and a volunteer for many years with the South African Council of Churches Dependants Conference. As a Rotarian, she pioneered the introduction of MedicAlert bracelets in South Africa. The venerable matriarch of her far-flung family, she was the loving mother of three, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of five more. 

Edna passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024, in Plettenberg Bay aged one hundred and two. She led an extraordinarily well-lived life. (Cape Jewish Chronicle, 1 May 2024)

Black Sash Obituary

Edna Helfet Tribute 

August 1921 – April 2024

Edna Landsman lived a remarkable life marked by her dedication to justice, community service, and family. From August 1921 to April 2024, she left an indelible mark on those around her through her activism, volunteerism, and pioneering efforts.

Early Life and Influences

Edna was born in George, Western Cape, and raised by a mother who was a leading figure in the local Girl Guides. This early exposure to leadership and community service profoundly influenced Edna's worldview. The injustices of apartheid South Africa ignited her passion for activism. During the 1950s, she became actively involved with Black Sash. Her participation in protests and meetings exemplified her commitment to opposing the oppressive regime. 

Activism and Community Involvement

Edna's activism was fuelled by her strong sense of justice. She was known for her persuasive nature and unwavering resolve. Her involvement with Black Sash provided a supportive network of like-minded women dedicated to combating apartheid. Her commitment to this cause involved significant personal sacrifices, including putting her safety at risk.

A member of the Cape Town – Sea Point branch of Black Sash, Edna often hosted meetings at her penthouse apartment on Sea Point Beach Road. Her dedication to justice extended beyond apartheid; she supported various causes and inspired others to stand up for their beliefs.

“…Edna had a passion for justice and was immensely supportive of others taking a stand on issues of concern…” Di Oliver

Family and Personal Life

Edna married and settled in Calvinia before moving to Cape Town in 1948. It was in Cape Town that she encountered a leftist socialist group that furthered her understanding and involvement in activism. Her urban experiences, combined with her rural upbringing, deepened her awareness of societal injustices.

With her husband Arnold, Edna raised three children in Cape Town. They travelled extensively, exploring the world together. Her family was a central pillar of her life, and she relished her roles as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

“Mom was a beacon of resilience and courage, and she deeply inspired me in every aspect of my life. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her boundless compassion guided my own path and work. I admired her immensely, not just for her accomplishments, but for the love and wisdom she shared with all of us. Her legacy is a reminder of how one person can make a tremendous difference.” — Linda Helfet. 

Innovations and Later Life

Edna was a creative thinker and a trailblazer. She played a crucial role in establishing blood donation services in Cape Town and introduced MedicAlert bracelets to South Africa through her Rotary Club efforts. These contributions highlighted her commitment to public health and safety. 

In her later years, Edna lived in Boston, USA, for 19 years before returning to South Africa in 2001, settling in Plettenberg Bay. Her return brought her full circle, as Plettenberg Bay was close to her birthplace. She continued to be a revered figure in her community until her peaceful passing on 17 April 2024, at the age of 102.

Legacy

Edna Landsman leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and relentless pursuit of justice. Her life's work with Black Sash, her volunteerism with the South African Council of Churches Dependants Conference, and her pioneering efforts in her capacity as a Rotary member stand as testaments to her impactful life. Her family, friends, and the many lives she touched will remember her as a venerable matriarch who lived an extraordinarily well-lived life.

(https://www.blacksash.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Edna-Helfet-Tribute-Black-Sash-2024.pdf)

Residences

Arnold and Edna and their family lived at 40 Forest Drive, Pinelands, Cape Town, South Africa. The bottom photo was taken by Jon Helfet on a visit to Cape Town in 2025

At the time of her husband Arnold's death in 1983 the family were living at 301 Somerset Place, 7 Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town, South Africa

Arnold Helfet (1911 - 1983)

Arnold Helfet is my 1st cousin 2x removed. Helfet family HERE

Parents: Leon Helfet (1877 - 1945) and Sarah Ann Levin (1880 - 1953)

Tombstones for his parents Leon Helfet and Sarah Ann Levin. They are both buried in the Pinelands no 1 Jewish Cemetery in Cape Town, South Africa

Born: 10 March 1911 in Calvinia, South Africa

HELFET. On the 10th of March, at Calvinia, C.P., South Africa, to Mr. and Mrs. Leon Helfet (née Sara Levin, Liverpool), a son (Jewish Chronicle).

Arnold Helfet

Ceres

Cape province

Dec 6th 1914

Dearest Hannah

Am sending you, at last, a photo of my little family. Only regret that my dear hubby is not with us, but as there is such a good photographer here, it was an opportunity not to be missed, especially as I wanted to introduce you to my darling little Girlie. She is very tiny here but T.G. she is really a splendid child for her age.

Baba is in his favourite cadet attitude. It is too bad that he is not smiling, for smile come far more natural to him than seriousness in fact it was quite an effort for him to keep his face straight and you will see in Esther’s that the smile is nearly bursting through. Hope you like our little group. 

Sincerely trust all is well with you all.

Do write, dear, am longing to hear from you again.

With ever fond love from us all to you and your loving sister. Sara

The picture is as follows: Ceres, Cape Province, South Africa, December 1914. L-R, Cyril Helfet, Girlie Helfet (on the maid Esther's lap), Arnold Helfet, Sara Helfet and Arthur Helfet

I understand, that the position obtained by Arnold Helfet, at the recent examinations, is one that his parents and also the local High School can be proud of. He headed the list of successful candidates at the local High School, but it now transpires that he stands second on the list of successful candidates in the  Cape Province. To attain such a high position needs hard work.  there is no doubt that the co-operation between teachers and pupil has reaped the fruits of persistent training. (undated article in his mother's scrapbook, probably dated around 1927)

Occupation: Businessman, owned a Ford motor dealership, Adelphi Motors, in Cape Town

Married: Edna Landsman on 7 September 1941 in South Africa. Arnold was age 30 and Edna age 20

First page of Edna and Arnold's ante-nuptial contract dated Cape Town 4 September 1941

Children

Their first child was born in 1943 when Arnold was 32 and Edna 21. Their last child was born in 1953 when Arnold was 42 and Edna 32 

• Linda Gail Helfet 1943 -
• Edsel Keith Helfet 1946 -
• Leon Michael Helfet 1950 - 1952
• Clive Helfet 1953 - 

Back row: Cyril Helfet, Arthur Helfet. Front row. Herzl Helfet, Sara Helfet, Arnold Helfet

Arnold with his siblings and their spouses in Cape Town on 23 January 1960. Back row: Cyril Helfet, Edna Helfet (Nee Landsman), Arnold Helfet, Theo Helfet, Celia Helfet (Nee Polen), Arthur Helfet

Front row Girlie Meyers (Nee Helfet), Cynthia Helfet (Nee Bernstein), Nathalie Helfet (Nee Freedman) 

Travel

A postcard of the family in 1912. Postmarked Kloof Street Cape Town May 8, 1912 and addressed to Hannah Levin, Arnold's aunt. Arnold is seated on his mother's lap. The card says "So that you should recognise us when we meet -. Love Sara (I spoil the group)

The reason Sarah sent the postcard to Hannah was that the family travelled to England in May 1912 aboard the Galician arriving in Southampton on 30 May 1912. Sarah took her three children with her, Arthur, Cyril and Arnold

------------------------

Arnold and Edna travelling from Cape Town to Southampton on the Dominion Monarch arriving on 7 August 1952 and then returning from Southampton to Cape Town on the Oranjefontein on 26 November 1952

-----------------------------

Arnold flying from Rome to New York on 2 June 1958

Biographical details

HELFET, Arnold. Director of Companies. Born Calvinia, Cape, 10th (March, 1911, son of Leon and Sara Helfet. Educated in Calvinia. Director of Adelphi Motors (Pty.) Ltd., and Adelphi Investments (Pty.) Ltd. Previously Director of Helfet Motors (Pty.) Ltd. Was Hon. Secretary of the Calvinia Hebrew Congregation in the 1930's and was Hon. Treasurer and Vice-President of Cape Town Jewish Reform Congregation in the 1950's. Member, Clovelly Country Club, King David Country Club and Sea Point Rotary Club. Married Edna Landsman, 1941; sons, one daughter. Recreations: Golf, charitable work. Add.: 40, Forest Drive, Pinelands, Cape Town. (In South African Jewry 1967-68 Edition)

Arnold, born in 1911, joined his father in his motor, business, which he eventually took over on the latter's retirement, while also doing journalism and news reporting. He and his family left Calvinia to settle in Cape Town in 1947, exactly half a century after his father settled as a young man in Calvinia. He retired from a motor business in Sea Point in 1972 and returned to journalism. He and his wife Edna have a daughter and two sons. (written by his brother Arthur Helfet)

Journalism

His daughter Linda has provided the following information about Arthur's journalism career:

Arthur was very proud to have been a cub reporter and later an adult reporter for REUTERS in London. He was their eyes and ears on the ground for the Karoo region of South Africa, and it was his reporting which appeared on Campbell’s land-speed trials of 1929 at Verneukpan in the “Blue Bird”.

After retirement from Adelphi Motors Arnold had a regular column in one of the daily Cape newspapers (The Argus) where he wrote about Apartheid and Israel. 

Having been unable to take up either the REUTERS or the University of Cape Town scholarships he had been awarded because he had to take over the family business due to his Father’s failing health, it meant a lot to him to use his intellectual gifts. My parents found another and highly pleasurable way to educate themselves by “collecting Countries” as he called it. They travelled to many corners of the world, learning about food, art, other cultures ... and made many friends along the way. 

My brothers and I benefited greatly by listening to their endless stories and being guided by them when we fled the close confines of Apartheid.

Book

South Africa by Gerald Cubit & Arnold Helfet, 1975, 208p.

Telegram

Telegram from Issie and Girlie Meyers, their daughter Nola, Arnold and Edna Helfet and their boys sent from Pinelands in Cape Town to Johannesburg on 11 March 1972 congratulating me on my Barmitzvah

Letter

A 1973 letter from Arnold to my father where he discusses his journalism activities

Death

28 May 1983 (16 Sivan 5743) at age 72 in Cape Town, South Africa and is buried in the Pinelands 1 Jewish Cemetery there

Tombstone for Arnold Helfet in the Pinelands 2 Jewish Cemetery in Cape Town, South Africa, grave no 4291 

The inscription is: 

ARNOLD HELFET

10.3.1911-28.5.1983

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH

EDNA, LINDA, KEITH

Death certificate for Arnold. He died from a heart attack

Death notice for Arnold

The first page of Arnold's will dated 4 May 1982

Residences

In Calvinia Arnold and his family lived at Carmel Villa in 19 Pastorie Street, which his father Leon had built. It is now a bed and breakfast establishment

Arnold and Edna and their family lived at 40 Forest Drive, Pinelands, Cape Town, South Africa. The bottom photo was taken by Jon Helfet on a visit to Cape Town in 2025

At the time of Arnold's death they were living at 301 Somerset Place, 7 Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town, South Africa

Article

An article by Arnold Helfet about his family and the Jewish community in Calvinia. It was published in Die Buurman in 1977 Afrikaans and I have translated it into English using Google translate

The original in Afrikaans