PITTSFIELD – Helen S. Cookson, 81, passed away Jan. 18, 2004, at Sebasticook Valley Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was born June 25, 1922, in Pittsfield, the daughter of the late Dominick and Rose Susi. Helen married Wilbur Cookson in November of 1943. With an infinite amount of love, Helen dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She was a very giving and caring individual. Helen had an immense love for children. She was able to live out her dream of becoming a teacher by setting up a schoolroom at her home, complete with a blackboard and desks, where her children and the children of the neighborhood would come and gather. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. Helen enjoyed drawing and had exquisite penmanship, so much so that she would volunteer to hand write boxes and boxes of invitations for various Cianbro gatherings. In June of 1969, she was awarded a certificate of induction into the Sesquicentennial Belles celebrating 150 years of Pittsfield. Helen is survived by three daughters, Sandra Smith and her husband, Tom, of Florida, Nancy Beauchemin and her husband, Henry, of Corinna, Audrey Cookson of Florida; son, Christian Cookson and his wife, Christine, of Pittsfield; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Alfred Cookson of Newport; sister-in-law, Georgia Knowlton, of Newport; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends too numerous to mention. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Wilbur Cookson, on Dec. 27, 1999; a grandson, Timmy; four brothers and two sisters. There will be no visiting hours. However, the family of Mrs. Cookson would like to invite friends to join them for a celebration of Helen’s life on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004. Friends are welcome to join the family beginning at 11 a.m. and anytime throughout the day at 12 Franklin St., Pittsfield, in the home where Helen and Wilbur raised their family. A graveside service will take place at a later date to be announced in the spring at the Pittsfield Village Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to Sebasticook Valley Hospital, 99 Grove Hill, Pittsfield, ME 04967. Arrangements are under the care of Donald Shorey Funeral Chapel, Pittsfield.
HELEN S. COOKSON
