Thyra Piiparinen

Obituary of Thyra Piiparinen HancockThyra H. Piiparinen died peacefully at her home on Friday, May 11, 2012 in Hancock, Michigan. She was born on October 27, 1919 in Pewabic Location on Quincy Hill, the daughter of Matti and Tilda (Hyttinen) Halmekangas.Thyra graduated from Hancock Central High School with the class of 1938. She married Raymond H. Piiparinen on June 15, 1940 and they lived together in Painesdale and Hancock and raised two sons. Ray preceded Thyra in death on February 10, 2002.She is survived by her son and wife Raymond (Barbara) Piiparinen of Springfield, Illinois and son and James (Linda) Piiparinen of Hancock, Michigan, grandson Erik (Holly) Piiparinen and great grandson Matthew of Rio, Wisconsin, grandson James (Kristine) Piiparinen of Virginia, Illinois. She will be missed by many nieces and nephews who have continued to visit and share her family's heritage.Thyra was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a proud housewife and excellent cook, baker and gardener. She loved her home which was always open to friends and family. She was active in husband Ray's tax and accounting business and always welcomed clients to their home. She was a very active member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and often was called to sing Finnish Hymns at church functions. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and always mentioned when one of her students graduated from high school or married.She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and brothers, John, Hugo, Henry, Bruno and Rudy. Thyra had seven sisters Aili Maline, Jennie Luttinen, Tilda Dahlberg, Edna Koskela, Sophie Van Hala, Lily Sihtala and Thelma Halmekangas.Funeral services will be held at the Memorial Chapel in Hancock on Saturday May19, 2012 at 1:30 pm. with burial at the Lakeside Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.Memorials may be made to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The family would like to thank the staffs of Meals on Wheels and the Lay Ministry Services of Gloria Dei for their efforts and consideration of our mother.To view Thyra's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has assisted the family with the arrangements.Service Information To send flowers to the family of Thyra Piiparinen, please visit Tribute Store