Maria Helen Ylonen

Maria "Helen" (Pulkkinen), Ylonen age 89, of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026 surrounded by family.

Helen was born in Finland on April 4, 1937, while her parents, Lauri and Emmi Pulkkinen, were on an extended vacation from their jobs in New York City. Helen stayed with her grandparents and Aunt Aino in Rääkkylä, Finland when her parents needed to return to their jobs in America. When WWII broke out children in Finland were encouraged to reunite with family overseas. Helen joined her parents in New York City in the spring of 1940. She grew up on the East Coast, graduated from Plainfield High School in Connecticut then attended the University of Connecticut to pursue her passion for teaching. Later in her career she attended the University of WI – River Falls for a Masters Degree in Counseling.

Helen was the heartbeat of her family. She was a wonderful listener and worked hard to stay connected with friends and family. She was dedicated to being involved with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren attending plays, musicals, concerts, sporting events, and church events. She was deeply proud of her Finnish heritage, was an avid baker, seamstress and gardener. She loved to sew for her grandchildren and made bibs, clothing and Halloween costumes. Every Christmas all the kids (and sometimes adults too) would get matching pajamas. She created wonderful family meals and always had a homemade treat to offer anyone who stopped by.

Helen spent the majority of her career working in the St. Paul Public School system, shaping countless young lives, first as a home economics teacher and later as a guidance counselor. She retired from counseling at Johnson High School in 2002 after many impactful years.

Helen grew up in the Finnish Lutheran Church and continued to grow in her love for God and his Word throughout her life. She accepted God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and is now in heaven praising God. While we deeply mourn her passing, we have joy in knowing that she is home with her Savior and that we will be reunited with her one day.

Helen leaves behind her brother Pentti (Carolyn) Pulkkinen, sons Karl (Andrea) Ylonen, Paul (Susan) Ylonen; grandchildren Tyler (Wendy) Ylonen, Jill (Tom) Hart , Alissa (Enoch) Hill , Nick (Jilene) Ylonen , Brett (Carly) Ylonen , Kai Ylonen, Ryan Ylonen, Emma Ylonen; great-grandchildren Justin Ylonen, Sophie Hart, Charlie Hart, Kira Hill, Rylan Ylonen, Roman Hill, Drake Ylonen, Selah Hill, Maggie Ylonen, Aiden Ylonen.

She was preceded in death by her son Eric Ylonen.

An Open House gathering will be held on Aug 1st for family and friends to celebrate the life of Helen Ylonen. Contact family members for details.