Helen Joanne Pietila, 94, of Howell, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. 

She was born on September 17, 1931, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Hugo and Vera Daavettila.  Helen was raised in Zion, Illinois and graduated from Zion Benton High School.

She was united in marriage to Chester John Pietila on September 14, 1957.  Together, they raised 12 children.

Helen was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Howell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugo and Vera Daavettila; her husband, Chester; her daughter, Loretta Pennala; her brothers, Paul, Donald, and Carl; and her sisters Virginia, Carol and Dorothy. 

She is survived by her children: Michael (Kathleen), Robert (Karen), Thomas (Amy), Roy (Karen), Matthew (Carol), Aaron (Sarah), Leonard, Steven (Annemarie), Carol (Jim) Halonen, Gordon (Andrea), and Carl (Gretchen); and her son-in-law Donald Pennala.

She is also survived by her sisters Ruth Davison, Susan (Paul) Wittenberg, her sister-in-law Mary Jean Daavettila, 105 grandchildren, and 221 great-grandchildren.  Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends in faith.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 4-8 pm at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church, 2970 Oak Grove Rd., Howell, Michigan 48855.  Instate Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 10 am until time of service at 11 am at the church.  Interment will follow at South Lyon Cemetery, South Lyon, Michigan