BOOTHBAY – Helen Fraser Clement Edwards, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2012, at Miles Memorial Hospital, Damariscotta, after a brief illness. Born March 25, 1922, in Belfast, to John Caldwell Clement and Jessie Thompson Fraser, Helen was a direct descendant of Seal Harbor settler, John Clement.
Helen attended local schools in Belfast, and spent summers on the coast of Mount Desert Island at their family residence. Her enthusiasm for learning led her to excel in literature, music and math, graduating from Crosby High School in 1941. She completed degrees at Husson Business College and the University of Maine at Bangor, majoring in business management and journalism. In her professional career, Helen served as an executive associate, contract analyst and products division director for Mobil Oil, Boston and Springfield, Mass. During her longtime employment with Mobil, Helen formed a working relationship with Burton M. Edwards whom she later married in 1968, in Concord, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards lived in several New England cities and towns before ultimately retiring to Boothbay in the 1980s, settling happily into the home they built together overlooking the bay. Together they also enjoyed traveling to Europe, China and many unique destinations, taking part in Elderhostel programs both in the U.S. and abroad. Throughout the years, Helen was active in numerous community projects, giving generously of her time and financial support. She derived special joy and satisfaction from her work with Boothbay Region Garden Club, and delighted in being a member of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Burt, in 2005; and brother, John C. Clement Jr., in 1975. Helen C. Edwards is survived by her sister, Mary Catherine Clement Allen of Seal Harbor; niece, Catherine Fraser Allen; and great-nieces, Stephanie and Emily Nemore of Boise, Idaho.
Friends and family will hold a tribute service noon Friday, June 22, at Sawyer’s Island Community Association Hall, Isle of Springs Road, Boothbay, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Mary Jo Zimmerli. In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Helen’s memory with a donation to Boothbay Region Garden Club Student Fund, P.O. Box 113, Boothbay, ME 04537 or at www.boothbayregiongardenclub.org. Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons Harrington and Hall Funeral Home. You are invited to share your memories, condolences, and stories with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at
www.hallfuneralhomes.com.