Helen Wiitanen

Obituary of Helen Wiitanen Dollar Bay Helen M. (David) Wiitanen, 68, a resident of Banfield Ave(M-26) Dollar Bay, passed away early Wednesday morning May 12, 2004, following a 3 year battle with cancer. She was born on May 28, 1935 in Houghton, a daughter of the late John and Elsie (LaChappele) Schaafs. As a child Helen had resided in Houghton, Hubbell and in 1952 she moved to Hancock and graduated with the class of 1953. On November 7, 1953, she was united in marriage to David C. Wiitanen and since 1986 the couple have resided in Dollar Bay. They recently had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Wiitanen had worked for Portage View Hospital for 19 years as a Physical Therapy Aide. In her retirement Helen loved to spend her time playing Bingo. Preceding Helen in death were her parents and 1 brother: John Surviving are: Her husband: David C. Wiitanen of Dollar Bay 2 Daughters: Christine (Fernado) Garza of New Boston, MI Donna (David) Kuru of Atlantic Mine 5 grandchildren: David, D.J., Michael, Matthew, and Sara 3 Sisters: Dorothy Luusua of Hancock Jean (Doug) Casey of Belton, TX Mary (Gary) Thomas of Whibdey Island, WA numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins Funeral services for Helen will be held 11 A.M. Saturday May 15, 2004, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with the Rev. Jimalee Jones to officiate. Burial to be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock. Friends may call at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock on Saturday from 10 A.M. until time of services. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family suggest that memorials may be given to Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice, The American Cancer Society or the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Memorial fund. Friends or relatives may go to www.memorialchapel.net to view Helen's Obituary and send a condolence to the family. To send flowers to the family of Helen Wiitanen, please visit Tribute Store