HELVI ANNA SAIMA SAVILAAKSO

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELVI ANNA SAIMA SAVILAAKSO (HARTIKKA) It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness we have to announce the passing of Helvi Anna Saima Savilaakso. Helvi passed peacefully in her home on March 18, 2017, at 91 years of age. She was a greatly beloved wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, matriarch, and friend to many. Helvi, was a remarkable woman; hard-working, strong-willed and brilliant. She was born on July 1, 1925 in Tyrnava, Finland. Helvi came to Canada in 1951. She taught herself English, and while raising a family she worked very hard at each of her many accomplishments ranging from restaurant management, enjoying her nursing career as a LPN at the municipal hospitals in Winnipeg, she had a talent for creating beautiful gardens (that should've been in a garden magazine), preparing delicious meals, making crafts, and celebrating her Finnish heritage. She loved her life and lived it to the fullest. She was joyful and welcoming to all, and was happiest when at her lake home with her family, cooking up wild blueberry pancakes, pies, and muffins and fresh caught fish. Helvi was predeceased by her loving husband Einar, sister Elsie, brother Tauno of Finland and leaves to celebrate her legacy, daughters, Anneli Foster and Christine (John) Bueckert, grandchildren, Jennifer (Travis) Armstrong, Jonathan Bueckert and Jeffrey (Lauren) Bueckert, and greatly beloved great-grandson, Abel Armstrong, as well as niece Susan Bauer, great-niece Jessica (Brett) McLean, sister Kaisu (Melvin) Rusiecki, niece Maria (Don) Hall, nephew Peter Rusieki, sister-in-law Joyce Savilaakso, nieces, Linda (Savilaakso), Karen Gillis and Brenda Savilaakso, and nephew Brian (Pauline) Savilaakso. Also, brother Esko Hartikka and family, and nieces, Raija and Karina in Finland. Sadly, Helvi's brother-in-law, Lauri Savilaakso passed away May 1,2017. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a private celebration of her life at her lake home this summer. Woods are lovely, dark and deep She fought a good fight She kept her promises She earned her sleep My soul has wings And I have left my burdens behind I am at peace We love and miss you Mom/Grandmama Always in our hearts.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 05, 2017