BREWER – Helen A. Dempsey, 96, died Feb. 26, 2007, at her home. She was born June 2, 1910, in Lincolnville, the daughter of Dr. Clarence and Ava (Keller) Simmons. She graduated from Coburn Classical Institute in 1927 and Colby College as valedictorian in 1932. In 1937, she married Percy Dempsey, and eventually settled in his hometown of Stillwater, where they raised their family. As her children grew she returned to teaching 4th grade in the Bangor school system until her retirement in 1975. After retirement, she volunteered with Literacy Volunteers and the Phillip Strickland House where she sat on the board of directors. She was an inspiration and role model for the rest of the family. She is survived by her daughters and husbands, Rae and Harold McKechnie of Bangor and Dee and Jim Osgood of Brewer; stepdaughter, Marlene Thomas of Brewer; daughter-in-law, Laurie Dempsey of Hanover; grandchildren, Terri Plummer of Bangor, Ed Pooler and his wife, Tammy, of Westbrook, Jeff Pooler and his wife, Kathy, of Derry, N.H., Joe and his wife, Kim, of California, Sara Kelly of Florida, Sue and her husband, Rick Rowell, of California, Robert Osgood and his wife, Joyce, of Winterport, Paulie Nichols of Bangor, Wendy and her husband, J.D. Blaine, of Carmel, Jodie Osgood of Brewer, Robin Smith of Hanover, Michelle and her husband, Chris Hepburn, of Falmouth, Phil Thomas and his wife, Kim, of Arundel and Kim Thomas Dickinson of Brewer. She had the love of 28 great-grandchildren and was proudly expecting a great-great-grandson. Surviving also are many nieces and nephews, including very special nieces, Pat Blodgett of Wisconsin and Ruth Dempsey of Massachusetts; and a special nephew, Charles “Bud” Simmons of Ohio. A very special thanks to her nurse, Cindy. She was predeceased by her brothers, Dana and Raymond Simmons; sister, Bertha; her former husband, Percy Dempsey; her beloved son, Robert Dempsey; and dear friend, Maxine Seavy. Graveside services will be held this spring in Appleton. Gifts in her memory may be sent to Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union St., Suite 220, Bangor, ME 04401. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor.
HELEN A. DEMPSEY
