CARIBOU and FORT FAIRFIELD – Helen V. (Doak) Underwood, 76, died Monday morning, Nov. 14, 2005, at a Bangor healthcare facility, following an extended illness. She was born Feb. 28, 1929, at Caribou, the daughter of Jeremiah and Carrie (Libby) Skidgel. Helen attended Caribou schools and was married to Donald L. Doak Sr., Jan. 10, 1954, who predeceased her in 1975. She was later remarried to Charles J. Underwood in 1983, who also predeceased her in 1995. A resident of Fort Fairfield for 28 years, Helen worked at the format A & P plant and was a proud member of the Starlight Rebekah Lodge where she held many positions over the years including that of Noble Grand. She was known to lend a hand to anyone in need and was a hard worker. Helen’s talents included everything from decorating wedding cakes to tearing apart automobile engines. In addition to her parents and husbands, Helen was predeceased by two stepsons, George and Donald L. Doak Jr.; three brothers, Horace, Edgar and Vernon “Mickey” Skidgel; three sisters, Catherine Peters, Hazel Dixon and Thelma Ouellette. Helen is survived by one son, Tilden Doak and his wife, Marlene, of Augusta; one daughter, Tryphina Putnam and her husband, Stephen, of Bangor; two stepsons, Stephen Doak and his wife, Mimi, of Newport News, Va., Carroll Underwood and his wife, Donna, of Presque Isle; five brothers, Thomas Skidgel and his wife, Maxine, of Woodland, Edwin “Snuffy” Skidgel of Woodland, Stanley Skidgel of Bangor, Cecil Skidgel and his wife, Wynonna, of South Carolina, Melvin Skidgel of Kansas; two sisters, Lillian Rossignol of Caribou, Barbara Johndro and her husband, Roger, of Limestone; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield. A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the funeral home with the Rev. Larry Palmer officiating. Interment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A reception in memory of Helen will be held at VFW Paul-Lockhart Post No. 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield immediately following the interment service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Helen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160 B, Portland, ME 04161-2409.
HELEN VIVIAN (DOAK) UNDERWOOD
