Helga Simonson

Waynesville, Helga Elizabeth (Betty) Simonson, 96, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Autumn Care of Waynesville, NC. She had been a resident there for 5 1/2 years and received kind and capable care. Helga (Mom) was born on June 21, 1915 in the Northern Peninsula town of Toivola, Michigan. She was the oldest of 7 children born to John and Gustaava Heikkinen, who had each emigrated from Finland. She was preceded in death by all of her siblings, as well as her husband Frederick (Fritz) in 2003 and her son Frederick John in 2006. She was married to Fritz in 1940 and they spent their married life in Michigan, as well as wintering in Ocala, Florida. They were life-long members of the Lutheran Church. Helga was a graduate of Painesdale High School and Detroit's Del Mar Beauty School and the Cody High Night School Business Program. She worked for 10 years as a supervisor at the Detroit Sears Credit Department. Helga was both persevering and patient, dignified yet down-to-earth, and she had an endearing sense of humor. She was fluent in the Finnish language, a member of her church's altar guild, and an expert seamstress, and a fan of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. Helga was devoted to her faith, family, and Finnish heritage. Surviving and residing in the Waynesville area are her daughter and son-in-law Mary (Joseph) Miller, grand-daughters, and husbands, Maureen (Bill) Miller and Katie (Garret) Neiswonger and 5 great grandchildren; Ian and Jacob Miller, Elijah, Maxwell, and Alicen Neiwonger. She will be lovingly remembered by them, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and brother-in-law, U. Albert (Ida) Lehikoinen and sister-in-law, Doris (John) Heikkinen. The immediate family held a private time of remembrance at the Wells Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Toivola Cemetery. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Autumn Care and the Wells and Antila Funeral Homes for their outstanding services.

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