Obituary of Helen B. Harrison

HELEN B. HARRISON, died at her home in Stockton Springs, Maine, May 18, 2013. The daughter of Lewis Austin and Clara Louise (Mixer) Barrett, she was born January 24 1915 in Portovelo, El Oro, Ecuador where her father was a mine foreman for the South American Development Company. At the age of six months she came down the mountains for the first time and with her parents started the journey to their hometown in Maine. She spent her early years on a farm where she had fond memories of baby pigs and riding on the hay wagon. When she was ten, the family moved to town. She became active in Camp Fire Girls. Camping along the Penobscot River was a favorite activity. Helen received the rank of Torchbearer three times – in Literature, Indian Lore and Leadership. Helen attended Stockton Springs schools, graduating in 1932. She then attended Castine Normal School, graduating in 1934. Baked beans were her favorite meal served at the cafeteria. She often talked of walking from Castine to Penobscot to visit her cousins. After normal school, she taught in elementary schools in Stetson and Frankfort. In 1938 Helen married Roland D. Harrison who was to become her partner for over 73 years. Their honeymoon to Quebec proved to be the first of many trips made in the early years of marriage as she often traveled to spend time with Roland when the ship he was on would be in a port on the east coast. During these years she also served as a Camp Fire leader. The birth of the first of her three children in 1942 marked the beginning of a new phase in her life. Her family was the most important of all things to her. She was known for her pies, especially blueberry. Summers found her putting a wide variety of vegetables that came from Roland’s garden, on the supper table. Many of those vegetables were also canned or frozen for winter. Fourth of July was always a time for family and food, including the cookies that were always available for children and later grandchildren. When chores were done for the day, she would often be found in the kitchen reading. For 15 years, she served as a Girl Scout leader where she got to use and increase all the skills she had learned in Camp Fire Girls. Many local girls learned firebuilding and outdoor cooking skills thanks to her. In 1987 she suffered a devastating stroke. Within a year she had amazed both family and therapists with how well she regained her ability to take care of her home and family. For many more years she continued to enjoy visits from her children and grandchildren, planning for Christmas, the family cats, reading mysteries, watching the birds and chocolate. Helen was predeceased by her parents; husband Roland; brother Herbert “Bud” Barrett; three half-siblings, Louise, Sadie and Stuart ”Bill” Barrett and son-in-law James A. Johnston. She is survived by children Fred Harrison and wife Gerry of Round Rock, Texas, Nancy Johnston and partner Charles Hennessey of Windham, Maine and Kathy Harrison of Stockton Springs, Maine; grandchildren Jeff Harrison of Leander, Texas, Greg Harrison and wife Heather of Trophy Club, Texas, Tanji Johnston and partner Kent Simmons of Freeport, Maine, Susan Parks and husband Scott of Goodyear, Arizona and Brian Johnston and wife Anna of North Conway, New Hampshire; great-grandchildren Colton and Topher Harrison of Trophy Club, Texas, Megan Ragucci of Freeport, Maine, Nicholas and Benjamin Parks of Goodyear, Arizona and Myra and James Johnston of North Conway, New Hampshire. At Helen’s request there will be no funeral or visiting hours. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast.