FORT FAIRFIELD – Elouise F. Helstrom, 87, wife of the late Edward M. Helstrom, passed away Monday evening, May 16, 2011 at a Caribou health care facility, after a brief illness. She was born Dec. 24, 1923, in Fort Fairfield, daughter of Hubert E. and Mary (Maskell) Giggey.
She attended Fort Fairfield schools and was married to Edward M. Helstrom, June 28, 1946. Mrs. Helstrom was a lifelong member of Fort Fairfield Bethel Baptist Church and had been employed by A&P and Interstate Processing Plant, Fort Fairfield, for 20 years. She had also been a member of Caribou Veterans of Foreign Wars Lister-Knowlton Post No. 9389 Ladies Auxiliary for many years. She was an avid Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan, and was active in her church and enjoyed her church family. She will also be remembered as a wonderful cook who loved to prepare goodies for her friends and family. The Helstrom family extends a special thank you to Cary Medical Center and Caribou Nursing and Rehabilitation for the wonderful care, which was given to Elouise.
In addition to her parents, Elouise was predeceased by her husband, Edward, Oct. 10, 1987; three sisters, Gertrude Dewley, Alfreda Palmer and Mary Joyce DeMerchant. She is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Gary E. Helstrom, Galen H. and Marilyn Helstrom, Gregory D. Helstrom and Gene R. and Patti Helstrom, all of Fort Fairfield; one daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Gailen “Wink” Wortman of Fort Fairfield; 12 grandchildren, Stephen Helstrom of Newport News, Va., Scott Helstrom of Limestone, Troy Ladner, Andy Helstrom, Kevin Helstrom, Sarah Foster, Ben Helstrom, Jon Helstrom, Ryan Helstrom, all of Fort Fairfield, Jennifer Wortman of Limestone, Joshua Wortman and Jacob Wortman, both of Fort Fairfield; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind two special friends, Ella Walker and Betty Jenkins, both of Fort Fairfield; and many friends at Harvest Meadows, Fort Fairfield.
Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield. The funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Bethel Baptist Church, corner of Presque Isle and Main streets, Fort Fairfield, with Asa Cook officiating. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will take place at Bethel Baptist Church fellowship hall immediately after the interment service. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mrs. Helstrom to Bethel Baptist Church Memorial Fund, care of Diana Cook, 839 Limestone Road, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.