WEST BALDWIN — Helen Hoyt Bacon Black, of West Baldwin, passed away on May 8, 2011.

She was born in Waltham, Mass. on Jan. 3, 1925, a daughter of Lewis and Vera Bacon. Helen’s family moved to Hiram in 1936 and she attended Mt. Cutler schools. She graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1942 and Gray’s Business College in Portland in 1944. Helen worked at First Portland National Bank for three years.

In 1947, Helen married Henry W. Black and moved to Briarcliff Farm in Baldwin. She and Henry ran a highly successful Jersey farm for over 50 years and were extremely active in farm activities throughout Maine and the nation. Mrs. Black accompanied her husband to many political activities during his tenure in the Maine State Senate.

Mrs. Black was a member of the Hiram Universalist Church; her grandfather, Rev. Hervey H. Hoyt, was pastor there for many years. She was also a member of an artist’s club, the West Baldwin Grange and the Baldwin Women’s Extension. She was a longtime chairwoman of the Extension and meetings were held at her home. Helen remained active in the Fryeburg Fair for decades and served as an assistant in the livestock office.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Henry; and a daughter, Valerie J. Ellis.

She is survived by two daughters, Maggie Black and Dianne Dunning of West Baldwin; and three grandchildren.

Per her wishes, there will be no visiting hours or funeral services. Arrangements are by Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish.

Mrs. Black was extremely devoted to her pets and animals. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037.