CASTLE HILL – On July 7, 2011, at the age of 89, Helen E. Finnemore peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior at her home, as was her wish. Mrs. Finnemore, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, was born March 27, 1922, in Mapleton, the 11th of 12 children to Melvin and Cora (Wyman) Archer.
She attended Mapleton schools until she met and married the love of her life, Charles C. Finnemore, Feb. 25, 1944. Helen was a stay at home mom raising her three children while Charlie owned and operated Finnemore’s Body Shop, Presque Isle. She was a faithful member of Mapleton United Methodist Church for 86 years where she served on several committees of the church. She also taught Sunday school and was a member of United Methodist Women. She, along with her husband, was the leader of Methodist Youth Fellowship for many years before their children were old enough to attend and until their last child was through the program. Mom was a talented writer in the eyes of her family and friends, and was called upon often to write poems or stories for special occasions. Her last poem was written at the age of 88, just a few months ago. When challenged to raise funds for her church using her talents, a booklet was composed of several of her writings. This gave her great pleasure to give back to her church. “Nan” as she was affectionately called, will be remembered for her great love for her family and her wonderful sense of humor. She was a past member of Mapleton Extension, a 4-H leader with Charlie, and a member of Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill Senior Citizens where she served as secretary for several years receiving two plaques for her dedication. She enjoyed the luncheons with the seniors and looked forward to each Monday. She also enjoyed reading her Bible and Christian novels, doing crossword puzzles, listening to Gaither music and watching NASCAR races on TV. In most recent months, Mom enjoyed being read to by several members of the family including her 8-year-old great-granddaughter, Maddie.
She is survived by her three children: son and daughter-in-law, Michael M. and Darlene Finnemore of Mapleton; daughter, Norma C. Johnson of Presque Isle; and daughter and son-in-law, Deborah C. and Larry R. Sawyer of Castle Hill; grandchildren, Lance and wife, Bonnie Johnson, Scott and wife, Casey Johnson, Jennifer (Sawyer) and husband, Aaron Buzza, Julie (Sawyer) and husband, Zack Powers, Michael Finnemore, and Derek Finnemore and his fiancee, Ashley Oldenberg; great-grandchildren, Celeste and Logan Johnson, Maddie Kay Buzza, and Sherralyn and Kendall Robbins; a sister, Avis Spear of Milo; a sister-in-law, Geneva Archer of Presque Isle; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her dear husband of 52 years, Charles C. Finnemore, in 1996; and siblings, Harold Archer, Leon Archer, Earl “Bob” Archer, Verna Norsworthy, Hilma Boyles, Irene Cray, Louise McPherson and infant brothers, Bernard, Howard and Byron. She will be remembered fondly by very special friends, Marie, Alma, Dorothy, Charlotte and Grenda. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Mary B. Coffin, FNP, who gave Mom her extra special care.
Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Mapleton Methodist Church with Pastor Dot Matson officiating. Friends may call noon until the time of service. Interment will be at Southside Cemetery, West Chapman. Pallbearers are grandsons, Lance Johnson, Scott Johnson, Michael Finnemore, Derek Finnemore and Aaron Buzza, as well as Zack Powers. Due to allergies we respectfully request no perfumes or colognes. Thank you. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom’s memory to Mapleton Methodist Church, care of Claudine MacBurnie, 171 MacBurnie Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle. Condolences may be expressed at
www.duncan-graves.com.