Ishpeming- Helmi M. Talbacka, age 100 lifelong area resident passed away Sunday February 3, 2019 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of family and staff at MCMCF.

Helmi was born May 27, 1918 in Michigamme to Matt and Elizabeth (Sillanpaa) Lakso.  She graduated from Michigamme High School in 1936.  Helmi worked as a seamstress at the H.W. Gossard Company and at the Ishpeming Hospital (Bell Memorial) in the laundry department.

Helmi enjoyed knitting, crocheting, working on crossword puzzles, playing card games and BINGO, picking berries and playing the accordion.

Helmi is survived by two sons: Ronald Talbacka and James (Kathy) Talbacka both of Ishpeming, 6 grandchildren: Peggy (Dave) Pepin, Paul (Vickie Morcom) Talbacka, Julie (Jim) Rivard, John (Tammy) Talbacka, Jody (Bill) Champion and Ronald (Brenda Johnston) Talbacka Jr., 8 great grandchildren: Joel Talbacka, Kaeleigh Talbacka, Austin Rivard, Paige Rivard, Natalie Talbacka, Thomas Champion, Chad Champion and Jed Runion, 2 great great granddaughters: Lilah Lindeman and Emmalyn Rivard, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Helmi was preceded in death by her parents, husband Sulo, great grandson Michael Skogman and 8 siblings.

Helmi's family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00-2:00pm on Wednesday February 6, 2019 at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming where a memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating.  Inurnment will take place in the spring at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Helmi's family would like to thank the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the wonderful care given to Helmi the past 7 years while she was a resident there.

Helmi's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.