Helen Clark Gibbons

Helen Clark Gibbons of Woodbury went to join her grandson, Tyler, at the gates of Heaven on October 7, 2010 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was born in New Milford on April 12, 1938 to Morris and Frances Clark. Helen grew up in Wood-bury and graduated from Woodbury High School. After marrying her husband, Ed, they moved to New Milford where they raised their family. With the death of her parents, they moved to her family home in Woodbury. On her "Wee Farm," she enjoyed raising exotic animals, bird watching, gardening, and canning (for which she won many ribbons). With her grandchildren at her side, she loved planting gourds, growing 100-pound pumpkins, and fishing, or as she would say, "drop the line." In 1994, Helen, Ed and their "Wee Farm" were portrayed in the book, "This Is the Farmer" by Nancy Tafuri. An appearance on Good Morning America also centered on her love of animals and nature. One of Helen's lifelong dreams was fulfilled when she had a thrilling ride in a hot air balloon! Helen was a paraprofessional in the New Milford School System for 32 years. She loved her work and had great respect and admiration for the children and staff. One of her greatest joys was sharing the wonder of the Monarch butterfly. Year after year she made sure that every class witnessed the life cycle of this extraordinary insect. In March of 2009, Helen was honored by the New Milford Board of Education for distinguished service. She retired from Northville Elementary School on September 1, 2010. In addition to her husband of 53 years, Edwin, she is survived by six children, Betsey Blaisdell, Cindy Day, Ed Gibbons, Samantha Anderson, Beverly Jajer and Michael Gibbons; daughter-in-law, Alicia Gibbons; sons-in-law, Keith Anderson, and Greg Jajer; ten grandchildren, Gregory Jajer, Joey, Amber, Zachary, Will, Nicholas, Alexis, Cody, and Luke Gibbons and Kyle Anderson; a sister, Esther Burpo of Tennessee; several nieces and nephews; and dear friends, William and Rebecca Felmer of Danbury. She was pre-deceased by her parents; a sister, Betty Bouchard; grandson, Tyler Jajer; and son-in-law, Richard Blaisdell. Helen's family would like to express their thanks to ALL the staff at Candlewood Valley Health & Rehab. Center for their loving care and support; to Dr. Lowenthal and ALL the staff at the New Milford Hospital Cancer Center for their care and guidance throughout her fight; and to Loretta Bayers, Clare Gennario, Barbara Greaney, and Marsha King for their faithful daily visits. Helen wants us all to remember her famous words - "Make Every Day Count." Friends may call on Monday, October 11, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a service at 7:30 p.m. at the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Make a Wish Foundation of CT, Inc., 126 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull, CT 06611.