Phyllis M. Heltunen

Phyllis M. Heltunen, 91, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2019 at home under the care of hospice in Homosassa, FL. She was born June 19, 1928 and raised in Hazel Park, Michigan, the daughter of the late Paul and Hilda (Harju) Miller. Phyllis was the oldest of three children. She graduated from Hazel Park High School in 1946. Upon graduation Phyllis worked as a secretary for various companies in the Detroit area. In addition to her parents, Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Paul F. Heltunen (passed away May 11, 2019) and son-in-law Matthew Veasey. Phyllis married Paul Fredrick Heltunen on May 21, 1949. They spent their productive years living and working in Flint and the Detroit metropolitan area until Paul retired from GM in May 1980. A year later they moved to Aura, where Paul was born and raised and where Phyllis had family on the Harju side of her family. Paul and Phyllis lived in Aura for eleven years until they moved to Spring Hill, Florida in 1992 due to health reasons. They enjoyed their time in Florida entertaining numerous out of town guests, volunteering with Stage West Community Theater, and traveling. Phyllis was an avid reader, loved spending time with her family, watching Michigan State basketball and her beloved Detroit Tigers, needlepoint, cross-stitch, theater, and traveling. Phyllis took pride in telling family and friends, “I’ve visited all fifty states in the US!” Phyllis is survived by her daughter Vicki Veasey of Homosassa, FL; brother Ron Miller of Homosassa, FL; sister Peggy (James) Bailey of Port Hope, MI; sister-in laws Anna Severance of Suttons Bay, MI, Phyllis (Robert) Rogers of Tallahassee, FL, Virginia Heltunen of Redford MI; best friend since school Laura Stach of Grand Blanc, MI; long-time family friend Jim Ferguson of Rochester, MI; dear friend Mary Ann Adams of Spring Hill, FL; numerous nieces and nephews; and fur-baby grandchildren Kipper and Katy. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Spring Hill United Church of Christ with the Reverend Robin DeAngelis officiating. Graveside services for Phyllis and Paul will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2022 in the Aura Cemetery with Pastor Peter Suomela officiating. The Reid Funeral service and Chapel, L’Anse assisted the family with the local arrangements.

Phyllis M. Heltunen

June 19, 1928 - August 19, 2019