Helen Lynn Santa

Obituary HELEN LYNN SANTA September 22, 1929 – June 18, 2020

Helen Lynn Santa passed peacefully of natural causes in the company of her daughter Marci Hoff at the BeeHive Home in Duluth. She was preceded in death by Albert J. Santa, her beloved husband.

Helen was born and raised on the Iron Range and graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine before moving to Duluth to work for Marshall Wells. She lived in a Finnish boarding house owned by Rose Santa – mother of the love of her life, Albert Santa, with whom she would share a 61-year marriage.

Helen was a devoted wife, a selfless mother of four, a spotless homemaker, a great cook, a talented seamstress, quietly competitive in golf and bridge, and appreciative of music. She enthusiastically supported her children’s school, social, and sports pursuits, and was a consistent volunteer for community and Glen Avon Presbyterian Church activities. Though she was very self-effacing, Helen could certainly provide some surprises with her usually hidden sense of humor. Above all, Helen was committed to providing a stable, healthy, and loving home life.

Al’s employment required moves to other cities, but their mutual love of Duluth was ever in mind, and where they enjoyed years of happy retirement in their comfortable Aspenwood home.

After her husband’s passage, Helen moved to Mount Royal Pines where over time she welcomed many lifetime acquaintances as new neighbors. Helen delighted in nearby walks near Congdon Creek, and views of Lake Superior and Duluth’s colorful autumn foliage – especially with her daughter Marci with whom she became especially close in later years.

As Helen’s age began to call for a bit more living assistance, she was fortunate to become a resident at BeeHive Homes of Duluth. In the space of a year, the Santa family found the BeeHive team to be exceptional in providing loving care, social activities, and safety for our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Her life will be remembered and cherished by her four children;

Marci (Paul) Hoff of Duluth, MN, Rick (Sharon) Santa of Niwot, CO, Rob (Deb) Santa of Hailey, ID, and Jim (Marcia) Santa of Hailey, ID

Seven Grandchildren; Sara Santa, Amy Hoff, Christa Hoff, Jussi (Alexandra) Santa, Erica (Charlie) Carpenter, Derek Santa, and Kirstin (Ben) Scholberg

Five Great-Grandchildren; Lilah Carpenter, Lucas Carpenter, Avalon Scholberg, Durban Santa, and Sienna Magness

Siblings; Pat Carlson of Duluth, Jay Beasley of Morton, Illinois

Helen was Predeceased by;

Husband; Albert John Santa Daughter-In-Law, Charlotte (Lessar) Santa Son-In-Law; Paul Hoff

Parents; George and Hiljah Beasley Siblings; William Beasley, Jack Beasley

• a family remembrance will take place when conditions allow

• donations may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice or Glen Avon Presbyterian Church