Helen Welch

Helen K. Welch, 96
KENNEBUNK -- With grace and dignity our mother went to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011. She passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 96.
Helen was born on April 23, 1914, the eldest child to John and Frances (Kozlarek) Knudsen in Hartford, Conn. She was educated in Hartford and in Kennebunk in her early years. The family returned to Hartford where she completed her formal schooling and later graduated from Secretarial School.
In 1931 the family returned to Maine and the Kennebunk area. She worked for Mr. and Mrs. Hay as a seamstress in their tailor shop on Summer Street next to the old Post Office for many, many years. (Mr. Hay was the Postmaster.)
While working as a seamstress, a nice young man named Robert Welch (Bob) asked her out for a cup of coffee and she accepted. Bob was a letter carrier for the Town of Kennebunk until his retirement in 1972.
Helen and Bob were married in the home of the Rev. Oscar W. Stuart on Friday, May 2, 1946. It was at this time that Helen became a full-time homemaker. She raised three children and worked the family farm with Bob. She worked at Kennebunk, Light and Power once the children were older.
Helen had many interests...knitting, sewing, gardening, reading and canning. She was a member of the Olive Rebekah Lodge. Bob retired at a young age so they were able to enjoy many years traveling the United States together. They spent Christmas time in Michigan with family, worked their way to Texas and then to Arizona to visit all their children and grandchildren.
Helen was predeceased by Bob in March, 1999. She is survived by their three children; their spouses; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren: daughter Fran (Ray) Bregger, grandchildren Jenny (Matt) Murphy, Matt (Sarah) Bregger, great-grandchildren Tommy and Ava Murphy and Edison and Graham Bregger, all of Michigan; son Jim Welch, granddaughters Jamie (John) Britt, Jessicah and Jillian Welch from Nevada and Texas; and son Bill (Laurie) Welch, grandchildren Rachel (Dan) Pelkey and Robert Welch and great-grandson Cameron Pelkey due in June, all of Maine. She is also survived by a brother, John Knudsen; and nieces, Paula and Greta.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on May 16 at Hope Cemetery in Kennebunk. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.
Memorial donations may be made
to Olive Rebekah Lodge or the
Kennebunk Public Library.
Helen Welch