Elvie Lehtinen Tietze

Elvie Elizabeth Lehtinen Tietze, age 91, was called to her heavenly home on March 4, 2017, in Orange Park, FL. The daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Perttu) Lehtinen, she was born November 4, 1925, in Painesdale, Michigan. On June 26, 1948, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica, NY, she married Richard Carl Tietze, her loving husband of 68 years. She is survived by her daughters; Lynne Wolfgang (Donald), Jan Martin (Raymond), Robin McCarthy (Michael), Major Leslie K Tietze Ret. USAF (Brian Bagans), and son-in-law Bernie Simons. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and her daughter, Dale Tietze Simons. She leaves her legacy of love to 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and special friends who will miss her. Elvie served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps in support of World War II through Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. She completed her registered nursing degree from Highland Park General Hospital, Highland Park, MI. Elvie's compassion and dedication to helping others was evident throughout her career in Utica-Rome NY as a psychiatric, medical, surgical, pediatric, public health, and geriatric nurse. She retired as school nurse at Oriskany Central School, Oriskany, NY. Service to community was an integral part of her life. In her youth, she was a member of the Junior Red Cross. She continued her service to others with the American Red Cross as a first aid instructor, president of the RN Club, and also volunteered for the school inoculation program during the 1950s. Elvie also trained as medical services support for the Utica, NY Civil Defense. She believed in empowering girls to reach their full potential and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for 14 years. Her husband Dick and she were residents at their Halcyon summer home, Brantingham Lake, NY, and longtime members of the Brantingham Lake Community Association. She was a faithful and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica, NY, St. John's Lutheran Church, Rome NY, Trinity Lutheran Church, Stamford, CT, St. John's Lutheran Church, Beaufort, SC, and most recently, Advent Lutheran Church, Orange Park, FL. She was most proud of being a Sunday school teacher, a Stephen Minister, and sewing for the Advent Lutheran Church Quilting ministry. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Advent Lutheran Church with a luncheon to follow. Interment will follow at the convenience of the family at Rome Cemetery, Rome, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Advent Lutheran Church, 2156 Loch Rane Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073 http://www.adventop.org/supporting-advent/#online-donation or Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 https://support.communityhospice.com/donate Arrangements are under the care of HELM-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 1811 Idlewild Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32073. 904-284-9696. www.helmgallagherfh.com.