LIVE OAK, Fla. and EASTON Helen B. Carlson, 75, died peacefully Friday, Oct. 21, 2005, at her home in Live Oak, Fla. Helen was born Feb. 7, 1930, the daughter of Lewis and Edrie (Wheeler) Benn of Easton. She graduated from Easton High School in 1947 where she participated in several speaking contests at the county and state level. While in high school she was chosen as Miss Easton. She also was a soloist for many events. Helen graduated from Aroostook School of Commerce in 1949 where she met her future husband, Earl. Helen and Earl were married June 28, 1952 and lived in Easton where they raised their three children. Prior to her children Helen worked for Kent & Sutter and for the Civil Service at Presque Isle Air Force Base. She later worked at a local bank in Presque Isle. A talented artist, she enjoyed displaying her oil paintings at several art exhibits in Maine and Florida. Helen and Earl moved to Live Oak, Fla. in October 1985 but continued to enjoy summers at their family camp at Little Madawaska Lake in Westmanland. Helen was active in several civic and church organizations. She served as a member on the Easton School Board for several years and was involved in the planning and construction of Easton Elementary School. She was also a founding member of Easton Wesleyan Church and served in numerous capacities including choir director, Sunday school teacher, Bible School director as well as chair of the Atlantic District of Wesleyan Women. In Live Oak she was an associate member of Melody Christian Center and a member of the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, Fla. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Earl C. Carlson. She is survived by sons, James A. Carlson and his wife, Karen, of Gorham and her granddaughters, Britt, Elizabeth and Laura, John J. Carlson and his wife, Joan, of Mars Hill and grandson, Tim, as well as three step-grandchildren, Angela, Ben and Craig; and one daughter, Jeanne E. Carlson of Presque Isle; two sisters, Catherine Ames and her husband, Rev. Dale of Live Oak, Fla. and Margie Huffman of Live Oak, Fla.; one brother, Paul Benn and wife, Polly, of Bethany, Okla.; two brothers-in-law, Chester Carlson of Live Oak, Fla. and Allison Hackett of Holden, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, and a celebration of Helen’s life on earth and entrance into Heaven will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home in Presque Isle with the Rev. Mark Babin officiating. Interment will be at Estes Cemetery in Easton. Donations in Helen’s memory can be made to the Alumni Association in care of Easton High School or the Advent Christian Village, P.O. Box 4307, Dowling Park, FL 32064.
HELEN B. CARLSON
