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Apolonia Maria Heldring

Born 13 June 1929 in Haarlem, The Netherlands

Died 9th December 2025 in Houston, Texas

Apolonia Maria Heldring – de Wild , 96 of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on the morning of the 9th of December 2025. Apolonia was born on the 13th of June 1929 in Haarlem, The Netherlands. After WWII, Apolonia, affectionately called Pauline, worked as a pediatric nurse and mid-wife in the Netherlands in the 1950's. In 1959, she met and married Johan Willem Heldring and together they went to East and Southern Africa and lived there for the next 20 years.

Their four children, Jacob, Alexander, Olga and Helene spent their childhood in Africa. In 1974 the family immigrated to Houston, Texas, where "Pauline" continued to live until her death. She lived for almost 50 years in the same home in Norchester and was actively involved in a variety of community services, such as Meals on Wheels, The Butterfly Garden and the Norchester Garden Club.

"Pauline" will always be known for her eternal optimism which was simply contagious and she found joy in the smallest of things. She had a quick wit and sense of humor. She loved working in her garden and reading but was also incredibly creative and made the most beautiful colored cards, which she would share with family and friends.

She is survived by her eldest son, Jacob Willem Heldring and his wife Natasha; her youngest daughter Elizabeth Helene Heldring and her husband David; her daughter-in-law Mary-Cooke-Heldring; her grandchildren; Willem Alexander (son of Olga and her late husband Mark Novakosky), Jacob Thomas (JT) and Jennifer (eldest children of Jacob and their mother Cindy Heldring), Michelle Hamman, Anastasia and Tatiana (daughters of Jacob and Natasha), many nephews, nieces and other family members and numerous friends in Houston and around the world.

Pauline always had a positive spirit and combined with her faith and her sense of humor, wisdom and humility, she made the most of her life and lived it well. She will be missed by many and never forgotten.

Pauline's family would like to thank the staff at Houston Hospice for making her comfortable in her final days. For those who wish to make a remembrance contribution, please do so to the charity of your choice or consider The Norchester Garden Club Butterfly Garden, which she so loved and gave her decades of joy. Kindly contact Jennifer at 281-798-4830.

Memorial Service: Klein Funeral Home – Champions

16131 Champion Forest Dr.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:00AM