HELEN BIRKBECK
Helen M. (Ryder) Birkbeck, age 89, of Ryder Road, North Stonington, died Thursday afternoon in Preston after an extended illness.
She was born in Appanaug, RI on July 20, 1913 the only child to James and Mabel (Jenkins) Ryder.
Raised on the family farm, “Ledge Farm” in North Stonington, she worked on the farm from the time she was a child up until her recent illness.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in North Stonington for over 35 years. She was also a 50 year member of the North Stonington Grange and was a founding member of the No. Stonington Historical Society.
Helen married Frederick W. Birkbeck on September 7, 1931. Mr. Birkbeck died November 21, 1988.
She is survived by her children, David Birkbeck and Eleanor Banker, both of No. Stonington, 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Helen’s family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, historic downtown Mystic on Monday evening from 6-8pm.
A service will be conducted at First baptist Church, Pendleton Hill Road, No. Stonington on Tuesday at 2pm. Burial will follow at Pendleton Hill Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Birkbeck Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o No. Stonington Board of Education, 297 Norwich- Westerly Road, North Stonington.