NEW BEDFORD -- Helen A. (Johnson) Sharples, age 78, of New Bedford died Monday February 19, 2007 at St. Luke's Hospital after a period of declining health.
Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Walter W. and Helen (Mowatt) Johnson, she was a lifelong area resident and graduate of New Bedford High School.
A current member of the First Congregational Church in Fairhaven, she previously attended Pilgrim United Church of Christ in New Bedford. In younger years, she was a Rainbow Girl. She loved her children and grandchildren. For many years she was active in the Fairhaven American Legion.
Her grandfather Horace Johnson was the Captain of the Fall River Line out of New Bedford and her grandfather Alexander Mowatt was town hall superintendent in Fairhaven and there raised his daughter Helen and son Donald, and in later years was keeper at River-side Cemetery. Mrs. Sharples was also the third cousin to the late Mayor Charles Ashley.
She is survived by her son, John A. Sharples Jr. and his wife Lori of New Bedford; her daughter, Jeannie J. Fernandes and her husband Bruce of Acushnet; her grandchildren, John A. Sharples III and Rebecca Sharples, Aaron, Amy and Beth Fernandes; and a great-grandchild, Leleigh Sharples.
Her private funeral arrangements are with the Wilson Chapel, 47 County St., New Bedford, with burial in Rural Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Spreen St., Framingham, MA 01701.