Helen Forsythe

HIRAM — Helen Agnes Ward Forsythe, 94, passed away on Monday, Aug. 6, 2018.

Helen was born in Long Island City, N.Y. to Helen and William Ward. Helen was an avid bowler and captain of her bowling team. As fate would have it, Howard Forsythe was practicing bowling two lanes over from Helen’s team. One of the young men on her team had been called to service, so Helen invited Howie to join her team. On Nov. 27, 1966, Helen married the love of her life, Howard Forsythe. Helen retired as a secretary from Graymoor Monastery, Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Garrison, N.Y.

Through Howard and Helen’s friendship with their neighbors in Garrison, Bion Cram and John McCoy, they would come to Hiram to vacation at Bion’s house along the Saco River. Upon retirement, they purchased their home on Hancock Avenue in Hiram in September 1979.

Helen loved children and was well known as the candy lady to the local children in Hiram. There were always bags of candy ready by the front door. Her refrigerator is adorned with handmade thank you notes she cherished.

Helen was a supporter of her community and volunteered whenever possible. She was an officer in the VFW Auxiliary Post, a longtime volunteer at Bridgton Hospital, past treasurer of the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery Association, and past treasurer of the Hiram Historical Society. As a devout Catholic, she was very active in St. Matthew’s Church. She was a lector and ran their fairs for many years.

She is survived by her loving husband, Howard Forsythe of Hiram; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents; as well as her sisters, Catherine and Patricia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m., at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Dora Lane, Limerick. A reception will be held at the church afterward. Following the reception, committal prayers will be offered at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Hiram at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are with Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Friends of Soldiers Memorial Library, PO Box 281, Hiram ME 04041, or Hiram Historical Society, PO Box 35, Hiram, ME 04041.