HIRAM- Helen Agnes Ward Forsythe, 94, left her earthy body to begin her eternal life on Aug 6, 2018. Helen was born in Long Island City, New York to Helen and William Ward.
Helen was an avid bowler and captain of her bowling team. As fate would have it, Howard Forsythe was practicing bowling two lanes over from Helen’s team. One of the young men on her team had been called to service, so Helen invited Howie to join her team. On Nov 27, 1966 Helen married the love of her life, Howard Forsythe.
Helen retired as a secretary from Graymoor Monastery, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Garrison NY
Through Howard and Helen’s friendship with their neighbors in Garrison NY, Bion Cram and John McCoy, they would come to Hiram to vacation in Bion’s house along the Saco River. Upon retirement, they purchased their home on Hancock Avenue in Hiram in Sept 1979.
Helen loved children and was well known as the candy lady to the local children in Hiram. There were always bags of candy ready by the front door. Her refrigerator is adorned with the hand made thank notes she cherished.
Helen was a supporter of her community and volunteered whenever possible. She was an officer in the VFW Auxiliary post, a long-time volunteer at Bridgton Hospital, past Treasurer of the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery Association, and past Treasurer of Hiram Historical Society. As a devout Catholic, she was very active in St. Matthew’s Church. She was a lector and ran their fairs for many years.
She is survived by her loving husband, Howard Forsythe, of Hiram as well as many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her beloved parents as well as her sisters Catherine and Patricia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday Aug. 16 at 11 AM at St. Matthews Catholic Church, Dora Lane, Limerick. A reception will be held at the church afterward. Following the reception, committal prayers will be offered at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Hiram at 2 PM.
Arrangements are with Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
The family would like to thank Bridgton Hospital, Fryeburg Health Care, and Beacon Hospice for the compassion and excellent care she received in her last month.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of Soldiers Memorial Library, PO Box 281, Hiram ME 04041 or Hiram Historical Society, PO Box 35, Hiram ME 04041