Date of Death: February 11, 2015
Mrs. Helmi Kuznez (nee Katajamaki) went to be with her Lord on February 11, 2015 in her 101st year. Helmi was born and raised in Wapella, SK and maintained contact with friends and family there until her vision no longer allowed her to correspond. She relocated to Northwestern Ontario in the late 1930s, eventually settling in Thunder Bay. Helmi worked in the dietary departments of a local hospital and then a nursing home until her retirement. She was an avid gardener and loved to share her bounty with others. She lived independently in her home until she was in her early 90s, at which time she moved into an assisted care residence, only recently moving to a nursing home. Her mind was always sharp, right to the end. Helmi was predeased by her husbands, Wilfred Raketti in 1960 and Alex Kuznez in 1996, her parents, Lempi and Elias Katajamaki, brothers Arvo and Chuck Katajamaki and her sister and brother-in-law Elsie and Leo Nikkila. Helmi is survived by one nephew, Richard Maki of Alberta, and five nieces, who will miss her greatly: Sandra Piper (Allan), Linda Woodbeck (Brian), Sonja Stephenson (Percy), Leona Merrifield (Shawn) and Bonnie Fiorito (Anthony), all in the Thunder Bay area. Helmi also has numerous great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews who were special to her and she to them. Funeral services were held in Thunder Bay on February 14, 2015 with her pastor of many years, Matthew Daigle, officiating.
