Champion- Helen Tuominen, age 67 of 1526 Co Rd CP, Champion, passed away Monday, May 14, 2007 at the Marquette General Hospital following an illness of 16 years.

Helen was born February 15, 1940 in Stanton, KY to Arthur & Bonnie (Lykins) Choat. Helen graduated from Champion High School, class of 1958 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Michigan University. Helen taught school at St. Paul's in Negaunee and at Republic-Michigamme Schools. She worked as a nurse's assistant at Bell Hospital, retiring in 1987.

Helen was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Ishpeming, Daughters of Isabella, and the 3rd Order of St. Francis of Marquette. Helen enjoyed crocheting and knitting and made excellent afghans.

Helen is survived by her husband, whom she married June 7, 1958, Kenneth A. Tuominen, 3 sisters: Virginia (James) DeRocha of Champion, Jane (Kent) Erickson of Portland, OR, and Peggy (Gary) Anderson of Ishpeming, 3 brothers: Richard, Dallas, and Roy Choat, sister in law Marlene Worth and family, special friends: Candy, Tammy & Terri, special young friends: Jenny and Missy, numerous nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends and neighbors. Helen was preceded in death by her father Arthur Choat, mother and step father Bonnie & Martin "Jr." Perry, sister Nellie Griffis and brother in law Lowell Tuominen, mother in law & father in law Mary & Weikko Tuominen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00a.m.Thursday, May 17, 2007 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr Peter Oberto officiating.

Friends may call at St. John's Catholic Church on Thursday from 9:00a.m. until the time of service.

Pallbearers will be David Bleau, Lowell Griffis, Otto Luoma, Gary O'Brien, Patrick O'Brien, and Adam Ostola

Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Helen's obituary may also b viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where her guest book may be signed.