Hanna Helland

Hanna Walter Helland December 27, 1930-January 11, 2018 Hanna was born December 27, 1930 to John and Caroline Walter in Chicago, Illinois. She was one of seven children. She grew up in a rural farm area of Palatine, Illinois. She worked many different jobs as a young woman. She worked at the Elgin watch factory, she worked as a nurse's aide in the hospital, she worked as a nanny, she worked as a waitress, she worked as a playground teacher and for the Federal Way School District. But her greatest job was that of mother and homemaker. She married Richard Helland January 9,1960. Hanna was the mother of four children Elizabeth, Richard Jr., Carolyn, and Julie. Hanna loved to cook and bake. Many people believed she should have opened her own bakery. She baked amazing cookies, cakes, donuts, and many secret family recipes. She always loved to make birthdays and holidays special by making many delicious baked goods. The table would be adorned with bake goods that would rival the best pastry chef. She also loved to crochet, read books, go to garage sales, shop, and spend time with family and friends. Mom made you feel like your were part of her family even if you weren't a blood relative. She made kids in the neighborhood feel like they were her own children or grandchildren. She made her own children's spouses and significant others feel like they were her own sons and daughters. She loved her children and grandchildren with her whole heart. Her love, kindness, and words of wisdom will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Hanna was preceded in death by both her parents John and Caroline Walter; her brother, John Walter; her sister, Esther Hodges; her husband, Richard Helland; and her granddaughter, Jessica Johnson. She is survived by her brother, James Walter; her sisters, Naomi Polito, Miriam Hotovy, and Barbara Meyer; her daughter, Elizabeth (William) Flint; her son, Richard Jr. (Debbie Franks); her daughter, Carolyn Kabore; her daughter, Julie (Chris) Morton; and her grandsons, Brandon Beardsley, Jeffrey Daswani, and Sean (Annemarie) Morton. Mom was the light and the life of our family and the memories she created will always be cherished. We are thankful she is resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior.