BANGOR – Helen T. Brown, 97, died Sept. 1, 2012. She was born Jan. 2, 1915, in Dresden, the daughter of Fern (McDermott) Bailey and Charles Bailey.
She and her brother, Albert, grew up on their grandparent’s farm in Dresden and attended Maine Central Institute, Pittsfield, where Helen excelled in all sports, including field hockey and basketball. It was there that she met her husband-to-be, Donald W. Brown, and they eventually settled in Dexter, where the family business was known as Brown’s Market. Helen became a den mother for the Cub Scouts while her children were young, served as president of the Junior and Senior Literary clubs, and ran the Red Cross Swim Program for local children for 15 years. She was actively involved in raising money to fund the town’s first ski tow and ice skating rink. She taught adult physical education classes, coached girl’s basketball at Dexter High School and worked with the town nurse to raise money for underprivileged children. Bridge, tennis and golf were avidly pursued in her free time. Helen spent the last years of her life at Ellen Leach Memorial Home, Brewer, and Phillips-Strickland House, Bangor, where she enjoyed a wonderful sense of caring and community.
Helen is survived by her three children and their spouses, David and Lorraine Brown of Savoy, Mass., Thomas and Darthea Brown of Saco and Dale and Jana Wheaton of Dedham and Forest City. There are seven grandchildren, Don, Debbie, Becky, Adam, Stacey, Jill and Kim; and five great-grandchildren. “Pushy” will be remembered and loved by them all for her vivacity, her fun-loving personality and her generosity of spirit. Family members wish to express sincere gratitude to all who touched their mother’s life and for the extraordinary care extended to her by Phillips- Strickland personnel.
Service arrangements for the celebration of Helen’s life will be announced at a later date. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
Helen T. Brown
