Helen K. Peterson, age 91, of Redford Township, Michigan passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Young at Heart adult foster care home in Fenton, Michigan where she had been a resident the last two years, with her family by her side.

Helen is survived by her loving family, son, Dale (Lisa) Peterson; daughter Pamela (Mark) Gulliver; grandchildren Kristy (Matt) Anderson, Kelly (Chris) Lonergan, Lance Gulliver, and Kayla Gulliver; two great-grandchildren Bree and Bryce Anderson; one sister Martha Hocking; one sister-in-law Virginia Peterson; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Besides her parents, Helen was also preceded in death by her brothers Arthur and Albert, and sisters Irene and Edna.

She was born on August 5, 1925 in Atlantic Mine, Michigan daughter of the late Selma (Raisanen) and John Tapani. She attended Adams Township schools. She graduated from Painesdale High School in 1942. Helen moved to Detroit soon after graduation to live with her sister, Irene, and her husband, Byrn Karvonen. She worked as a bookkeeper at Murray Body Corporation. On October 15, 1949 she married the late Clarence Peterson, formerly of Calumet. They celebrated 56 years of marriage. Helen and Clare lived in Detroit until 1970 and then moved to Redford Township.

They were both active lifetime members of the Finnish Center Association and, as such, you could frequently find them working the various functions there. They enjoyed cutting a rug at the dances and other activities hosted at the FCA. Besides their favorites, the schottische and the polka, they were also avid square dancers back in the day. Helen and Clare were long time members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Redford Township.

Helen was a quiet, caring person who always magically had some kind of treat on the table when unexpected visitors came calling. She loved returning to her Copper Country roots usually getting up there at least once a year.

Memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00 PM on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home in downtown Farmington, with Rev. Dr. Mark Fisher officiating.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thayer-rock.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Finnish Cultural Center, 35200 W. 8 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48335.