Soili Helppi
Soili Inari Hildur Helppi passed away on November 21st, 2022 at Toronto General Hospital ICU.
Soili was born in Helsinki, Finland to Sulo and Hildur Helppi. She excelled in school and left for London, England aged 19 to pursue nursing. She quickly learned English, her 4th language. Soon after she met Michael De Souza. The two married and had 3 children.
In 1980, the family moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada where she continued to work as a registered nurse. Later she attended the University of Toronto, earned a Masters in Gerontology, and then worked as an administrator in Long Term Care. She cared deeply for the seniors, spending time with them before heading home each night.
Ms. Helppi was a wonderful woman and a loving mother whose strength and kindness couldn’t be matched. Family was #1 to her. She made Christmas a truly wonderful time injecting many Finnish traditions from her childhood. She had a keen eye for art, design and home decorating, enjoyed baking, gardening and rarely turned down ice cream. She was an irreplaceable fixture and will never be forgotten.
She is survived by Michael De Souza, her 3 children, Jan-Peter De Souza, Andrei De Souza and Karen De Souza and her 3 grandchildren, Makayla De Souza, Olivia De Souza and Ethan De Souza.
Heather Rowbottom
For 2 years she was my mentor and boss and she was my friend from the day we met until her passing. She was a wonderful and kind woman and I think of her daily. To all her family and to Andrei, whom I’ve had the pleasure to talk with, please accept my deepest sympathy. Until we meet again, my special friend ❤️
Andrei
Despite just a few conversations, you’ve been a great comfort to me. Hopefully, we can meet and go for coffee one day.
Pierre Bonhomme
Andrei, Karen and Jan-Peter, I didn’t know your mother well, but I heard so many fun stories about her over the years from Andrei, I she was like a distant auntie leading an interesting life travelling all over Canada. I recall her sharp sense of humour and being very engaged when discussing any interesting topic with her. She was a force of nature and a strong matriarch, so raising her family with the strong values of integrity, honesty and love. I’m so sorry you lost her when she was just starting her retirement ready for new adventures, but I know you will cherish the good memories and will continue to live your lives in a way that she would be proud. Remember, death ends a life, not a relationship. Take care.
Andrei
My Mum was a strong, principled woman, and ran a tight ship. She crossed an ocean, and later Canada, to support her family. I don’t remember a time when she wasn’t working hard to that end. I’m constantly taken aback by what a significant impact my mother had on people I introduced her to. I suppose I shouldn’t be. She made a big impression. I was thrilled when I got word of her retirement. It meant I’d finally have the opportunity to spend some quality time with her. It never came to pass but your closing remarks resonate. It only dawned on me later in life that my Mum will be proud as long as I continue to hold dear the values she instilled in me. She’s gone but my relationship with her will carry on.
Kyösti Helppi
As Soili’s brother, I do not remember much of her, since she moved to London and I was then ten years old.
Whe met only a few times afrer that.
In memoriam of my sister Soili.
Kyosti Helppi
Andrei
Later in life, I sensed the sadness for family, friends, and country she left behind. She made a life for herself in the UK and Canada, but never forgot where she was from.
Rob Ferris
What a beautiful tribute to your lovely mother. I was priviledged to meet Soili on a couple of occasions over the years and to say there was never a dull moment, even in silence, would be accurate. Keenly humouorous, sharp and kind in her soft spoken way.
A mother’s love never fades and she will be with you always.
Much love to you all,
Andrei
Mum worried about many things but never that I lacked good friends. If anything, she’d remark that it was hard keeping track of everyone. Rob and Robyn? Which one has the partner? Both. Oh dear! Rob’s the boy. I’m never going to remember that! Don’t feel slighted. She’d get her own kids’ names mixed up all the time. It felt great reading how you remember my mother. Thank you Rob. You’ve been a rock solid friend through good times and bad. I love you very much.
test last
Sorry for your loss. RIP