IRONWOOD, Mich. – Helen Finco, 89, of Ironwood, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, Wisconsin.

   Helen was born on June 15, 1937, in (Erwin Township) Ironwood, to Matt G. and Sylvia (Niemi) Johnson. She attended Luther L. Wright High School and graduated in 1955. 

   Helen married Bernard A. Finco Sr., on Feb. 15, 1958.

   She spent the early years of marriage as a stay at home mom. When the children got older, she went back to work as a short order cook, eventually becoming a full-time cafeteria cook at Ironwood Catholic High School. After her children were grown, she began a career as a semi-driver with her husband. During that time, she traveled to all 48 contingent U.S. states.

   Helen loved cooking, baking knitting, crocheting, crossword puzzles, reading the news and staying in touch with family and friends via the internet. She and Bernie were former members of GWRRA motor club and Saxon Harbor Boating Club.

   Helen was preceded in death by her brothers, Roy and wife Gloria, Robert "Bob," and Clarence "Kelly" and wife Shiela; her sisters, Ruth and husband Donald Zerbst and Carolyn; and her brother-in-law, John Frierdich.

   She is survived by her sisters, Edna and husband Raymond Karvonen and Joyce Frierdich; her husband, Bernard "Bernie" Sr.; sons, Bernard Jr. (Sue), David and Steven (Anna); grandchildren, Jason, Brandon, Kristin (Pfarr) and Rebecca (Bennett); great-grandchildren, Kylie Finco, Weston Finco, Micharl Pfarr Jr., Ricard Pfarr and Eleanor Bennett; and great-great-granddaughter, Ayla Baker.  

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Sept. 11, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 108 S. Marquette St., in Ironwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Very Rev. Brian C. Gerber, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

Luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com