Sisko Sylvia Helena (Tervo) Laukka

 Sisko Sylvia Helena Tervo Laukka, “Helena” age 86, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on January 6, 2026 in Greenville, SC.

Born in Finland on August 8, 1939, Helena later immigrated to the United States as a young adult, beginning a life marked by faith, hard work, and service to others. She worked hard and shared her kindness and love at first as a nanny in New York, later she worked in housekeeping management, assisted living, the US post office, and also shared her creative talents through floral arranging, bringing beauty and joy to countless lives. In her spare time, she enjoyed painting, using her artistic gifts as another expression of her love for God’s creation.

A woman of unwavering faith, Helena loved the Lord with her whole heart and made it her mission to share His love with everyone she met. Whether through conversation or quiet acts of service, she never missed an opportunity to speak of her faith and encourage others.

Helena was involved in her church at First Baptist Swannanoa, neighborhood Bible studies, and later with her church family at Harmony in Simpsonville, SC. She served on many mission trips and ministries including prison ministry, where she shared hope, grace, and the message of redemption that she so strongly believed in.

During Hurricane Helene, Helena experienced a powerful testimony of God’s saving grace. After much prayer, God spared her life even as her home was flooded. At the time, she did not understand why she was preserved, but she later came to believe that God had saved her so she could tell others the story of His faithfulness and deliverance. True to her calling she shared that testimony boldly, giving glory to God and strengthening the faith of those who heard it.

 Helena will be remembered for her steadfast faith in Jesus, her kindness shared with others, and for her strong, sincere, and constant prayers. She leaves behind a legacy of love for God and people that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Along with her parents Emil and Olga Tervo, Helena is also predeceased by her baby Jaana Galle, husband Allan Laukka, and her sisters Hilkka Karlsson, Liisa Rautelin, Leila Tervo, Eeva Mattinen, and Pirkko Kilpo. She is survived by her nieces Carol Green (SC) and her family and Tina Bost (FL) and her family, as well as her brother in law Peter Kilpo (GA). She is also survived by loving family in Finland including Harri Karlsson, Riitta Korkala, Jukis Mattinen, Malla Rautelin and their families that loved her. She is also survived by her family in Maine: brother in law Leo Laukka, step children: Terry Laukka, Kevin Laukka, Tracy Wyllie and their families.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sisko Sylvia Helena (Tervo) Laukka, please visit our floral store.