Hilkka M. Torronen

Hilkka M. Torronen of Mattituck, a longtime supporter of the North Fork Animal Welfare League through Betty’s Boutique, passed away peacefully surrounded by love at her home on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. She was 98 years old.

Hilkka was born on Aug.18, 1927, in Leppavirta, Finland, to Anna Elima (Ursin) and Pekka Emil Huovimen. She was one of four children. During the 1950s, while still in Finland, she met and married the love of her life, Toivo O. Torronen. Together they would eventually move to the States and have one daughter.

Prior to living in Mattituck, Hilkka lived in Florida and California. She was a self-employed seamstress for 50-plus years. She was also a member of the Lutheran Church in Lake Worth, Fla. One of her greatest joys most recently was volunteering at the North Fork Animal Welfare League.

Predeceased by her husband, Toivo, and her three siblings, Hilkka is survived by her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Marja and David Ames of Mattituck.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 10, at 9:30 a.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. Interment will be private at Cutchogue Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Peconic Bay Medical Center Foundation or North Fork Animal Welfare League would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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