Helen A. Martin, 80, a resident of Wells, Maine, died peacefully surrounded by her family on May 7, 2012.
Born Helen Agnes Blake in the Savin Hill neighborhood of Dorchester, Mass. on October 21, 1931, the daughter of Patrick and Helen Blake. She attended high school in Dorchester. After moving to Franklin, Mass with her husband Donald E. Martin in 1958, she was a homemaker and received her state license in cosmetology, working many years as a professional hair stylist.
In addition to her husband, Donald, Helen is survived by her son, Donald Jr. and his wife Maryann of Quincy, Mass, daughter Mary Martin Plummer of Wells, Maine, son Ken of Los Angeles, Calif, son Timothy of Boston, Mass, daughter Kathie Dioli and her husband, Paul of Yarmouth, Maine, nine grand-children, Michael, Leanne, Courtney, Colleen, Rachael, Eryn, Caila, Brendan, Timothy Jr.; great-grand daughter, Nyxanna; brothers Joseph, James, Dick, Jerry and sister Ellen; pre-deceased by her sisters Elizabeth (Betty), Josephine, Cecile, Patricia; and countless loving family and friends.
Unselfish to a fault, Helen was a kind and generous spirit who treasured her family including all of her animal friends. A truly wonderful mum, she was beloved by many. Her passionate desire to help others was a true inspiration to anyone who knew her. Never one to sit still, Helen always had a creative project in the works. She was as gifted with knitting, crocheting, cross stitch and sewing, as she was in the kitchen, creating meals and baked goods for family, friends or anyone in need.
A warm smile, a never-ending sense of humor, a passion for children and life… that was Helen. She will be greatly missed by so many who counted on her many acts of kindness.
The family will host two viewings at Ginley Funeral Home 131 Maine St. in Franklin on Monday, May 14 from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin followed by a burial at the Bourne National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne, MA. There will be celebration of Helen's life at the Rome Restaurant, Franklin, Tuesday from 3-7p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s name can be made to Spina Bifida of New England at www.sbagreaterne.org or mailed to SBAGNE, 219 E. Main St., Suite 100B Milford, MA 01757.