Helmi A. Mason. 91, formerly of Clayton, Mo., passed away on Monday (November 21, 2022) at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center following a lengthy illness.
Mrs. Mason was born on May 21, 1931 in Tallinn, Estonia to Elias and Liidia (Hellat) Luik. As a war orphaned child during World War II, she, along with her siblings, left on the last ship out of Tallinn as the Russian forces were closing in in 1944. In 1950, she emigrated to the United States. She settled into foster care in Minneapolis, Minn. under the watchful care of Miriam Schultz through the ministry of the Lutheran Church.
Helmi graduated from Gustavus Adolphus High School in Minneapolis, Minn. She later earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and her master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. On April 1, 1956, she married Norbert S. Mason, also a World War II orphan who emigrated to the United States. Norbert predeceased her on November 30, 2017.
Helmi worked as a clinical dietician for many years at the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. and later at the SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis. Mo. where she managed the kitchen.
Helmi is survived by two sons, Walter Mason (Ly Kesse) of Alfred and Carl Mason (Pat LaDouceur) of El Cerrito, Calif.; one brother, Ilmar Luik; three grandchildren, Rein Mason (Jackie Kasper), Julia Mason and Alexander Mason; and two foster brothers, Ralph Schultz and Roger Schultz.
In addition to her husband of 61 years, she was predeceased by two sisters, Lydia Hellat and Nora Luik.
There will be no prior visitation. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in Minneapolis, Minn. at a date to be determined. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Helmi’s name may be made to A. E. Crandall Hook & Ladder Company, 4 South Main Street, Alfred, NY 14802. © 2022 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
