Helmi Reijonen

Helmi Reijonen – Helmi was born in Ruskeala, Finland in 1925. After having experienced World War II as a child and teenager in Finland, she travelled to England where in October 1962 she was registered as a nurse and midwife by The General Nursing Council for England and Wales. In October 1962 she travelled by ship with her best friend, Elsa Karha, and immigrated to warmer and sunnier Canada where she continued her career as a Registered Nurse in Ontario. While out dancing with Elsa, she was swept off her feet by Alex, of Ayr, Ontario who was the love of her life until his death in 1986. Helmi is also predeceased by her parents and all of her six siblings and her best friend Elsa Karha, but survived by her nieces and nephews and their families, and numerous friends in Ontario. Although short in stature and shy and reserved in nature, she was a woman of great courage, determination and resilience with an engaging laugh. She loved travelling the world and dancing and the symphony. She was a faithful member and supporter of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Kitchener. She couldn't believe that she had lived to reach age 90. A memorial service for Helmi will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2015 at 3pm at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, Ontario N2E 2X5 before she embarks on her next journey. Interment at Memory Gardens in Breslau, Ontario will take place at a later date. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.westmountfuneralchapel.com