Obituary of Helen Elizabeth Andrews

HELEN ELIZABETH ANDREWS MACHIASPORT – Helen Elizabeth (Beale) Andrews passed away on February 14, 2013 after a long and full life. She was born on December 25, 1919 in Bucks Harbor, Maine, the fourth daughter of Melcher and Eva (Hawkins) Beale. Helen grew up in Machiasport and Cape Elizabeth, where her father served in the Coast Guard at Two Lights. She graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School, where she played center forward on the state championship basketball team. At the age of 19 she left home to work in Connecticut as a telephone switchboard operator. She volunteered for the USO during WWII, and met and married her husband Irv, raising their four children on Scribner Avenue in West Norwalk. She became a licensed beautician, and was employed in the local school district with the audio-visual department. Twice she was credited with saving the lives of neighborhood children. Helen was also active in the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron at the Old Well Lodge in Norwalk, CT. After the death of her husband, Helen lived with her sister Marion at the farm in Machiasport, where for many years she enjoyed haying, tending sheep, and keeping the old Atlantic kitchen stove going. Helen also loved and attended the Larrabee Baptist Church, where she made many friends. Helen was a devoted wife and mother - the family rock, and an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She was a caretaker and a people person. Throughout her life, she visited and comforted the sick and infirm in her community. She loved music and loved to sing along. She loved to dance. She was a terrific cook. No one could bake better breads, or pie crust! She had a wonderful laugh and laughed often! She will be greatly missed. Helen was predeceased by her husband Irving E. Andrews and her sisters Blanche Herbert, Marion Dodge, and Verna Hall. She is survived by her brother Keith Beale, her daughters Priscilla Cunningham, Gail Stites and Susan Small, her son Paul Andrews, and by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Golden Acres in Franklin, Maine who provided loving care for Mom in her final months, and to her grandchildren Carl and Heather, who stayed with Helen during her last years at her beloved farm. A memorial service to honor Helen’s life will be held this summer.