Helena Lehtinen Heindl

Helena Lehtinen Heindl passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 in Richmond, VA with her dear husband at her side. Born in Lahti, Finland on March 21, 1948, Helena proudly became a US Citizen in 1995 - after the passing of her father Arne Lehtinen and her mother Laura Lehtinen in Lahti, Finland. She was later predeceased by her siblings Eino Lehtinen, Aimo Lehtinen, and Heimo Lehtinen.

For 53 years she was the devoted wife of Dave Heindl (Walter D., Jr.) who survives her. They were childhood pen pals; when Helena arrived in the US, it was only 6 weeks before they married. Helena is also survived by her children - John R. Heindl (Susan), Daniel T. Heindl (Nicole), and Serena Chew; her siblings Alpo Lehtinen, Juha-Pekka Lehtinen and Liisa Pajanne; and her adored grandchildren Ethan, Weston, Olivia, Christopher, Ocean, and Bryce.

After earning her nursing degree in Finland, she also earned her RN in the US - in English. She was a dedicated, compassionate nurse, spending the majority of her career at St. Mary’s Hospital. You could always find Helena praying for her patients and doing whatever she could to help them feel comfortable during their time under her care. She truly loved what she did and did it with excellence and care.

Helena was a vibrant, beautiful, personable and always welcoming caregiver. She was a wonderful grandmother to her six grandchildren, always thinking of them in the small gifts she would give to them at each visit. She loved crocheting blankets and stuffed animals for her grandchildren and for friends of littles ones. She truly was a caring and thoughtful person always putting the needs of others first.

Helena was a strong woman of faith always offering to pray for others in their time of need. She believes so strongly in the love of God and openly shared with those around her. She can be remembered as the prayer warrior for her family as she often would share of her times of praying through the night for whatever or whoever may be on her heart.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 6 at Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm. Services will be held at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Road on Friday, July 7 at 10:30am. A private interment will follow immediately after.