Helmi Peltonen

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our mom, Helmi Peltonen, on April 28, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Hospice after a brief illness. She passed peacefully with her family by her side exactly one year after the loss of her sister Aini and on the birthday of her beloved late son Brian.

Our mom was born August 15, 1933 in Reesor, ON. Mom met our dad at an Abitibi Woodlands bush camp. She was a prep cook and dad was a tractor operator. They were married May 3, 1952 and moved to Fort William in 1958. Our mom was a dedicated wife and mother first and foremost. She especially loved her role as “mummu”.

When us kids were older, mom worked as a Red Cross homemaker then at Northland Hardware. Mom was very active in her families lives, making sure she was present at sporting events, school concerts or driving us around. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, baking and organizing family events. We think she cooked as many Finn pancakes as the Hoito over the years. She always made sure she put the needs of others before her own and was the true definition of “Sisu”.

When dad retired, they had a trailer at Grand Marais where they spent many wonderful summers. She was able to travel to Finland, B.C., Florida, Vegas, Toronto and Kingston to visit with family.

Mom was a long-time active member of Calvary Lutheran Church being involved in the Mary Martha Guild, bible studies, volleyball and organizing the luncheons for funerals. She was also a driver for meals on wheels for over 25 years, volunteering at Grace’s Place, Shelter House and knitting socks and mittens for the homeless.

She met a lot of new friends at the 55 Plus Centre playing euchre and recently at Jasper Place as well. Mom enjoyed the annual birthday bingo rituals with her daughters.

Left to grieve are her children Kelvin, Sharon (Mike) Beerthuizen, Glen (Nancy), Karen (Marcel) Desgagne and daughter-in-law Marie; her grandchildren Mandy (Rob) Tidy, Erin Beerthuizen (Rock deVera), Dawn Peltonen, Marissa (Jesse) Guitard, Kari Peltonen, Tyler Tyance, Michael Tyance and Kyle Tyance and 12 great grandchildren; sisters Lily Doknjas and Helen Siivonen.

Helmi was predeceased by her husband Walter (2008) son Brian (2007) her parents Valto and Hilma Jokimaki, brothers Eino (Finland), Weikko Jokimaki and sister Aini Loik.

The family would like to thank Georgette from Para-med and Pastor Brian and Calvary members for their prayers and well wishes. Also a special thank you to Gerianne and Rod Johnson for their love and support.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Northern Cancer Fund or Calvary Lutheran Church Memorial Fund would be greatly appreciated.

God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come to me.”