ASHLAND – Helen Francis (McGowan) Michaud, 95, passed away peacefully Aug. 3, 2011, with her family by her side. Helen was born Feb. 6, 1916, in Ashland, daughter of John Hopkins and Nellie Gladys (Rafford) McGowan.
After her graduation from Ashland High School, she began work as a local telephone operator. She married Norman J. Michaud, Sept. 18, 1941, and they were happily wed for 34 years before his death in 1976. They had five children together, and despite losing her mother at age 5, Helen was a naturally caring and loving mother. She taught her children how to handle the changing landscapes of life, and could often be heard saying “Count your blessings” and “Do your best.” In addition to raising a family, Helen spent time behind the cash register at Michaud Brothers IGA, Ashland, where she and Norman were part owners and operators. Helen was well known for her generous and giving nature. She served her community as a volunteer fire department dispatcher, a library trustee, and a member of St. Mark’s Sodality, William Dalton Historical Society and Music Booster Club. Helen was a very gifted musician and artist. She played the piano every day of her life and would on occasion, bring out the ukulele. For many years, along with her brothers, she played in the McGowan Family band throughout “The County.” She was also known for her exceptional sense of humor. Her home was filled with music and laughter, and visitors always felt welcome. When family or friends stopped by Helen dropped everything and focused on their visit, as she considered time with loved ones a precious gift. She had the ability to make everyone feel special. She took time to stay connected with others lives’ through the many letters and cards she penned. At age 72, she moved to Orono to be closer to family. While living there she enjoyed many events at the University of Maine, particularly the Maine Center of the Arts. During these years she enjoyed traveling and continued her love of books and reading. At age 80, Helen moved to Ellen Leach Memorial Home, Brewer, where she lived for 10 years. She enjoyed her many new friends there and was known as the “Scrabble Queen.” She continued to fill the halls of her new “home” with music, playing her piano for her fellow retirees. Her last few years were spent in a Brewer memory loss facility where she continued to play and entertain.
She is survived by her two sons, Ernest Norman Michaud and his wife, Marcia, of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and John McGowan Michaud of Bangor; three daughters, Deborah Jean Maddi and her husband, Dennis, of Winthrop, Julie Ann Michaud of Bangor, and Margaret June Michaud of Hermon; sister, Ruth Searway of Portland; 10 grandchildren, Matthew Michaud, Nell Maurine Michaud Tiedeman, Gwen Michaud Baines, Anne Michaud, Aimee Cain Bakeman, Katye Michaud, Andrea Maddi, Kendra Michaud Symbal, Sgt. Dow R. Cain II and Karli Cain; 11 great-grandchildren, Ella, Lilly and Jack Tiedeman, Destinee, Malorie and Gregory Baines, Reece, Gavin and Ava Bakeman, Hunter and Evy Symbal; many special nieces, nephews and friends. The family expresses their gratitude to Kevin Miller, M.D.; and to Memory Loss staff led by Mary Rowe, RN, for the exceptional compassionate care given to our mother.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at St. Mark Catholic Church, Ashland. Committal service and interment will be at the parish cemetery. A gathering for family and friends will be after the burial at St. Mark’s Parish Hall. Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Ashland Public Library, Exchange Street, Ashland, ME 04732 or Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at
www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.