Mrs. Helmi Miettinen, age 88 years, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 in St. Joseph's Hospice. Helmi was born on August 26, 1928 in Jamsa, Finland to Johan and Iida Hilden. She married Terho Miettinen, and they had 4 children. Their first born died young. Helmi and Terho moved their family to Port Arthur, Ontario in 1969. Helmi learned enough of the English language to get through daily life. Life was a struggle in the beginning but she found her place in the community of the church, and she was a devoted member. Helmi contributed to her church in many ways, baking and knitting for church sales, volunteering at the coffee hour. Helmi also spent many hours with the volunteers who would visit nursing homes within the city and take the parishioners to services. She was recognized for her efforts with a 25 year Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2016. She delighted in hosting her family and friends as often as she could - the coffee was always on!Helmi took great pride and satisfaction in knowing that her children and grandchildren took the opportunities available and pursued higher education. It was a source of pride that her grandchildren are learning the Finnish language. Helmi was also a great prankster. She loved April Fools' Day and never tired of trying to fool her children every year. She had a great sense of humour and loved to laugh. She was a great lover of animals and instilled that in her children. Helmi was a kind, loving, generous wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be sorely missed. Helmi is survived by her three children Tarja (Randy) Kleemola, Timo, and Tuula (Barrie Daigle) and grandchildren Leila, Liisa and David. Other relatives also survive in Finland. Predeceased by her husband, Terho (1991); son Esa; parents Johan and Iida Hilden; sister Hilkka and brother Masa. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 2:00 pm in Hilldale Lutheran Church. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 1:00 until 2:30 pm, in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Hilldale Lutheran Church.