OCEAN PARK – Helen Pierce Morin, 87, passed away Aug. 5, 2011, after a brief illness. She was born Oct. 3, 1923, in Dexter, the daughter of Clarence N. and Alma (Morrison) Pierce.
She graduated from N.H. Fay High School, Farmington Normal School and then earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Boston University and Master of Science degree in music education from Columbia University. In 1951 she married Francis J. Morin of Old Town. Helen was the Old Town Elementary music supervisor from 1946 to 1980. She enjoyed teaching beginner band, orchestra and flutophones for all third graders. Each year she combined five schools for a Christmas and spring themed concert. In addition, every spring she organized a May Pole dance. She taught private lessons on Saturdays from her home. Helen continued teaching piano lessons up to the last month of her life. In 1985 she moved to the Pierce family summer cottage in Ocean Park, which became her year round home. Not willing to sit at home in retirement, she worked at Ocean Park Post Office, was superintendent for Ocean Park Association Sunday school, planned and played music for Toilers by the Sea and Ocean Park Religious Society, and was a generous volunteer at schools, church and Ocean Park. Music was not only her profession, but also her lifelong passion. She especially enjoyed providing piano accompaniment as her daughter Suzanne played the flute. Helen was a lifetime church organist playing at United Baptist Church, Old Town and Saco. She loved being surrounded by her family. Whether it was Christmas, birthdays, or Fourth of July parades, these traditions were important to her.
In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by two brothers, Dean S. and Reynold N. Pierce. Helen is survived by a sister-in-law, Ruth (McKay) Pierce of St. Paul, Minn.; her four children, Linda and Joseph Mitchell of Ocean Park, Jean and Richard Bruce of Nashville, Tenn., Suzanne Morin and Gregory Goforth of Scarborough and Jeffrey and Sandra (Bostridge) Morin of Bradley; five grandchildren, Judy, Michael, Gillian, Christopher and Tyler; and three great-grandchilden, Ethan, Jackson and Tucker; a special cousin, Nancy-Alice Salisbury; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Helen’s life 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at United Baptist Church, 318 Main St., Saco. A reception will be afterward in the church vestry. Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Ocean Park Association, P.O. Box 7296, Ocean Park, ME 04063. Arrangements are being conducted by Dennett, Craig & Pate, 365 Main St., Saco.