IN LOVING MEMORY

Raija Hellevie (Tyrvainen) Carey, age 75, of Fayetteville, Arkansas died in the early morning hours on Sunday August 16, 2026, after a long battle with severe COPD and congestive heart failure. Raija was a beloved Sister, Wife, Mother and “Nana” as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a contagious laughter and great sense of humor; she loved her family deeply and will be dearly missed. Raija, her husband Neil and their three children moved to Fayetteville in 1987 for Neil’s job at Tyson Foods. Raija worked as a cosmetologist and was the co-owner of Hair By Genesis for many years until her retirement.

Raija was born in Joroinen Finland on January 21, 1951, in her parents home. Raija was the 2nd of 7 children born to Elli Aina Hellin (Rovio) and Albin Tyrvainen. Her parents and older brother Raimo immigrated to Canada in February 1952 via the MS Gripsholm ship where they endured a 2-week journey over the ocean. Upon landing in Canada her parents started a homestead in Finland, Ontario. This journey of immigration and homesteading gave Raija that “Suomen Sisu” which is Finish stoic determination and grit, bravery and resilience in the face of extreme adversity. Raija and her husband Neil met in May of 1972 in Sioux Narrows, Canada. They were married in February of 1973 at St James Catholic Church in Glen Ellen, Illinois. Their first child Colin was born in 1974 followed by Erika in 1976 and Erin in 1983. Raija and Neil loved to play golf and were members of the Fayetteville Country Club for many years. Raija also loved to host gatherings at their home in Fayetteville and was an active member of bunco, bridge and Superbowl groups. She enjoyed playing cards and fishing and passed down those traditions to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After retirement Raija and Neil served as volunteers at two local food pantries helping feed the community. Raija enjoyed reading romance novels and passed down her love of reading. She also was the proud matriarch of her large Finnish Family. Raija and Neil lived a blessed life where they were able to travel to many places both domestically and internationally as Neil was in international sales. They had wonderful adventures all over the world including Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

Raija was preceded in death by her parents Elli Aina Hellin (1925-2002) and Albin Tyrvainen (1920-1994) and daughter Erika Carey (1976-2007). She is survived by her 6 siblings, Raimo (Audrey) Tyrvainen, Arvo Tyrvainen, Reijo (Lousie) Tyrvainen, Liz Krall, MaryAnn (Kevin) Vadnais and Moni Joyce along with multiple nieces and nephews. Also survived by her son Colin (Faith) Carey, their 4 children Jacob Gunter, Conner Gunter, Cydney Ensley and Kieran Carey, and 5 grandchildren. As well as her daughter Erin (Jesse) Gayer and their 3 children Corbin, Erika and Lillian Gayer.

The Celebration of Life for Raija will include a viewing at Beard’s Funeral Chapel (855 S Happy Hollow Rd Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701) on Thursday, August 27^th, 2026 from 5-7pm and a funeral service Friday, August 28^th, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Springdale (100 S Gutensohn Rd, Springdale, AR 72762). Coffee (breakfast) and fellowship at 10am with the funeral service at 11am. Procession to Goshen Cemetery will directly follow the service.