Helen Durgin

HIRAM — Helen A. Durgin, 91, formerly of King St. in Hiram, died on Feb. 3, 2013 after a long illness at the Fryeburg Health Care Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Brownfield on July 7, 1921, a daughter of Fred and Persis Wade Gould. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Fryeburg Academy. She married Norman G. Durgin on Oct. 9, 1943.

Helen was a babysitter for several local children while her own children were young. She later worked as a teacher's aid for many years at the Mt. Cutler School in Hiram, and was a member of the P.T.A. for over 30 years. She also took care of several elderly neighbors for several years.

Helen was a member of the Mt. Cutler Grange, the Hiram Women's Club and the Hiram Community Church as well as the church guild.  She was well known for making homemade donuts for many town functions over the years.

She enjoyed crocheting and braiding rugs as well as horse racing and playing bingo. Above all, Helen was always a devoted homemaker and loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Besides her parents and her husband, she is also predeceased by her daughter Lorraine Durgin, her son Fred Durgin and a brother Norman Gould. Surviving are four daughters: Mary Watson and husband John of Denmark, Barbara Kimball of Hiram, Celia Stacy and husband James of Denmark, and Joyce Osgood of Denmark; one son, Howard Durgin and wife Cindy of Hiram;  nine grandchildren: Ryan and Eric Durgin, Sean and Daniel Watson, Jamie Stacy, Jennifer Bartlett, Lynn Augustine, Drew and Brandon Durgin as well as 19 great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. A funeral service will be on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. at the Hiram Community Church. Burial will be in Hiram in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hiram Community Church, PO Box 110, Hiram, ME. 04041. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wnyfuneralhome.comSWANSON, CHARLES W. - in South Paris, Jan. 29, 2013. Celebration of life, 2 p.m., Sunday, American Legion Hall, Naples. Hall Funeral Home, Casco.