Helmy K. Cook

Helmy K. Cook (nee Wallin) took the hand of her Lord and passed from this life to be with her daughter, Debra, her husband, Cornelius, and son, Bob, on May 6, 2026. She was born Helmi Kyllikki Wallin in the small farming village of Kaasala, Finland, on September 10, 1930. She was named after an older sister who died before her. Her parents gave her the middle name of Kyllikki - which translates to "woman of strength." Helmy lived up to her middle name throughout her life. Born during the Great Depression and raised during World War II in a war torn and starving Finland, she immigrated to the United States alone in charge of a younger sister when she was just 16. Shortly after her arrival in New York, she moved to Chicago. Circumstances were such that she had to live on her own in a strange land with a strange language. She learned to speak English by going to the movies and seeing the same movie over and over until she understood the dialogue. She became homesick and saved every nickel she earned so she could return to Finland; but one day English just clicked and she decided to stay in Chicago. She became a U.S. citizen in 1954.

She married Con Cook (deceased) and they had 7 children. Kara (Greg), Vicki (Dallas), Mary (Don), Debra (died as an infant), Robyn (David), Robert (deceased), and Joi (Cary). Helmy is also survived and cherished by 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren (plus one on the way). She is also survived by her sister, Sandra, whom she brought with her to America.

Helmy faced many challenges in Chicago - frequently moving with her growing family due to economic hardships. She emphasized family, loyalty, and education but her greatest joy was her children. Although she had limited formal education, she was a woman of unlimited common sense and practical wisdom. Her children turned to her for help in their science projects. Helmy also developed a profound love for reading. She was an extraordinary seamstress and made suits and dresses for her family and for members of her church.

Helmy was a woman of deep faith who was confirmed into the Roman Catholic Church for her husband and fully embraced the Faith. She passed on a deep Finnish value to her children -- SISU. SISU is a Finnish word that describes the essence of being a Finn. It translates to strength of will, determination, and perseverance. Helmy was the true essence of SISU by demonstrating strength and perseverance on a daily basis. No matter what challenges she might have faced, she never backed down. She thanked the Lord daily for the blessings He granted her and did not take those blessings for granted.

Helmy lived in Geneseo, IL for the last 13 years of her life near her daughter, Mary, who was a devoted caregiver. She greatly enjoyed her weekly Friday cocktail hour and meals with Mary and her husband, Don.

With quiet strength, she carried us all and showed us how to lean in, no matter how hard life became. Helmy will be loved, missed, remembered, and cherished, and her memory will remain in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be from 9:00am until time of Mass 10:00am at St Matthew Church, 1005 east Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Allure of Geneseo, 704 S Illinois St., Geneseo, IL 60194 would be appreciated.