Helvi Kaarina Kärki was a Finnish supercentenarian who, at the time of death, was the nation’s oldest living person.
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BIOGRAPHY
Helvi Kärki was born in Eräjärvi, Pirkanmaa, Finland, on 7 December 1906. She never married nor had children.
Kärki lived alone in the center of Hämeenlinna until the age of 107, when her declining eyesight and mobility made it impossible for her to continue living independently. She spent her final years in a nursing home in Hämeenlinna. When she moved to the nursing home, a fellow resident asked if she had ever wanted to marry. She replied, “I haven’t found the right man yet, but who knows—maybe I still will.”
Kärki passed away in Hämeenlinna, Kanta-Häme, Finland, on 23 January 2017, at the age of 110 years, 47 days.
RECOGNITION
On 13 March 2015, following the passing of 111-year-old Selma Tuominen, she became the oldest known living person in Finland, at the age of 108 years, 96 days. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Helfrid Eriksson.
ATTRIBUTION
* “HS: Suomen vanhin ihminen on kuollut” – Ilta-Sanomat, 24 January 2017
* “Suomen vanhin ihminen Helvi Kärki kuoli 110 vuoden iässä” – Helsingin Sanomat, 24 January 2017
GALLERY
In the summer of 1935, aged 28. (Source: Helsingin Sanomat)
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