EXETER, N.H. — Helen C. Armstrong, 90, of Exeter, N.H., formerly of Cape Elizabeth and South Casco, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 9, 2012, at Exeter Hospital.

Helen was born in Providence, R.I., on July 20, 1921. She was a daughter of the late Francis H. and Helen (Carroll) Curren.

Helen attended Boston University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Beaver College in Glenside, Pa. In later years, she discovered a talent for watercolor painting. Her work has been displayed in various art shows and has been used for brochure covers at The Ridge at River Woods in Exeter, N.H., where she had been residing.

Above all, she loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen also enjoyed tennis, sailing, skiing and her many travels with her late husband. She and her family enjoyed many summers at their home on Sebago Lake.

Helen was active in the Portland community, where she volunteered at the Maine Medical Center for many years. She participated in fund raising for the Portland Museum of Art and the Portland Symphony Orchestra.

She was predeceased by her late husband of 50 years, Samuel L. Armstrong Jr.

She is survived by her three daughters, Suzanne Armstrong of Andover, Mass., Deborah Armstrong and Patricia Armstrong both of Newburyport, Mass.; a sister, Virginia A. Kenney of Dover, N.H., a brother, Francis H. Curren of Jamestown, R.I.; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2012, at the Immaculate Conception Church at 42 Green Street, in Newburyport, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: SolAmor Hospice, 65 Lafayette Rd., Suite 302, North Hampton, NH 03862 or the nonprofit Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Lawrence, MA 01840.