Helen M. Holmes

From early in her life to the end, Helen was a lady with a needle not far from – and usually in the firm grasp of – her talented fingers. At various stages in her life she was a talented seamstress, knitter, cross-stitcher, quilter, braider of rugs and, in later years, creator of a large and much loved collection of Victorian style dolls, each dressed in exquisitely tailored costumes of her own design.

She gave generously of her time and talents to countless church fairs and other events for many years at Woodfords Congregational Church in Portland and, before that, at the Foreside Community Church in Falmouth. She also served for many years on the board of managers at 75 State Street; and five years ago, was proud to move and live her final years at the independent and assisted living facility.

Born January 9, 1926 in South Gardiner, Helen was the daughter of Merton and Marjory (Arey) Small. She attended schools in Gardiner, graduating in 1944. As a young woman, she worked in Gardiner, Chicago and Portland as, at various times, a telephone operator and as a supervisor in sewing mills.

On April 3, 1948, she married the love of her life, Martin A. Holmes. Together they raised their family in Falmouth and later in Portland. Martin died in 1994 and has been much missed ever since.

Helen's is survived by her children, Michael A. Holmes and his wife Sheila of Seabrook, N.H.; Jeanne M. Stevens and husband David of Standish; and Kendall J. Holmes and wife Deborah of South Gardiner. Also surviving are grandchildren Joshua, Ethan and Nicholas Holmes; Rachel Ladd; and Glenn and Ellen Stevens; and Adam and Dana Holmes; and great granddaughters Grace Ladd, and Sofia and Emily Holmes.

She also is survived by a sister, Mrs. Hilda Barker of Freeport and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four sisters and a brother.

A period of visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 10 to 11 AM at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, where a funeral service for Helen will be at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Carolyn Lambert will officiate. A private burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the annual appeal for resident projects at 75 State Street, 75 State Street, Portland, ME, 04101.

Care for Helen and her family has been entrusted to the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home of Portland.