FITCHBURG, MASS. — Helen Smith Farwell, 95, of Fitchburg, Mass., passed away on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 at her home, with loved ones at her side.

She is survived by Ann Devereux of Denmark, Ernie Farwell of New Mexico, Malcolm Farwell of Massachusetts and their spouses. She is also survived by six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Two of her three sisters in New Zealand also survive her.

Two of Helen’s grandchildren (Brian and Robert Devereux) were born and raised in this area, graduating from Fryeburg Academy. She spent a lot of time here visiting with them and their family.

Her funeral was in Fitchburg, Mass. on Dec. 27, 2012 in the middle of a blizzard. Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, she was welcomed in a blizzard her first day at her new home. It was her first sight of snow. In New Zealand, she was a midwife and maternity R.N. She married an American Pearl Harbor survivor and at the end of WW II sailed and rode on trains for two months to get here. Her marriage to Guy Farwell lasted 53 years, until Guy passed on.