Proud of her Finnish heritage the word sisu is most fitting for our mother Helen (nee Toivonen). On Monday, November 9, 2020 mom left us to reunite with our father (her husband) Ian W. Hollingsworth. Born on May 2, 1932 in Sault Ste. Marie to her loving parents Gustava and Anna Toivonen. Dear mother of Scott MacGillivray, Robert MacGillivray (Kelly), Bruce Hollingsworth and Sandra Hollingsworth. Doting grandma of Arianne and Conor MacGillivray. Survived by her sisters in law Rita Mae Hollingsworth and Marie Frossard and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her aunt Sandra Luoma who was known to provide guidance to our Mom. Mom was known for her sense of adventure, determination, and spirited nature. For the early part of her childhood she lived in Montreal River Harbour in a log cabin where her father worked as a blaster for the construction of the Montreal River Dam. Growing up in Montreal River Harbour she was raised speaking Finn as her first language, not learning English until moving back to the Sault where she attended public school. She eventually graduated from Collegiate and Tech learning book keeping skills allowing her to work in the financial office at Dominion Bridge. Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie on Riverview Ave. she belonged to the St. Mary's boat club where she met her two best lifelong friends Mary Hill and Mary Bullock. Together the ladies joined the rowing team at the boat club, learned golf and travelled to many places having a lot of fun along the way. She widowed early with two young boys leaving her to be a single mom. In 1964 she married Ian where together they raised 4 children. Her time with Dad included developing deep friendships whether at the summer "camp” on Pine Island, the winter home on Gasparilla Island and their many travel adventures across the globe. Mom loved sports. She taught her kids how to play tennis and be avid skiers however, out of all of her activities golf was her favourite. Combining golf and travel mom and dad made many friends in Canada and the US. Cross country skiing kept her active in the winter months where she cherished her close friends “The Snow Bunnies”. When residing in the Sault she looked forward to her Wednesday night bridge playing and laughing with her dearest friends into the early morning hours.
Family and friends may visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E.) on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 5 - 8 pm. Please call 705-759-2522 to reserve an appointment time as capacity is limited, face masks required.
A private service will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque) to Zion Lutheran Church, Salvation Army or the Sault Area Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.
A special thank you for the love and care from the medical team of Dr. Gary Sibbald and Sharon Marotta during moms health struggle over the past few years. We would also like to thank all her personal caregivers from Premier Home Care especially Valerie Brown and Laura Zargi for their kindness, special care and companionship for mom. Thank you to the staff at Pathways for making her last home an enjoyable one.
Mom, though you've passed, you'll never be forgotten. We love you, we will miss you, we thank you for your life teachings. Mom we know you are with the Lord where you will continue to watch over us and guide us to be kind and giving. May you know how much we cherished spending a day with you whether it was driving through the back roads of Algoma on rainy days, trying to beat you at golf, or enjoying the family gatherings that you made so special. Thank you for your passion of worldwide travel, it has inspired us to follow your path of adventure. How blessed we have been to have a mother and grandma like you. God bless you!