Helen Calkins Obituary

Helen (Hunt) Calkins, 85, of Emerald Road, died suddenly from a cerebral hemorrhage on Friday, November 9, 2007. This day also being her wedding anniversary, she leaves her husband of 61 years, Nelson M. Calkins, Jr.

Helen also leaves her children, Bruce E. Calkins of San Diego, Mary M. Calkins of Seattle, Elizabeth A. Hussey of Rutland, and a daughter-in-law, Norah E. Ferrie of Rutland; and four beautiful granddaughters, Abbie M. Ferrie-Calkins, Jessie B.F. Calkins and Sandra R. and Jennifer G. Hussey. A son, Richard H. Calkins, predeceased her. She was born in Newport, VT, daughter of Franz and Edith (Campbell) Hunt and lived in Rutland since 1946. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from Syracuse University. She later attained a Master's degree in Library Science from Worcester State College. During World War II, she served in the U.S. Navy WAVES from 1944 through 1946 as a photo specialist 2nd class. She was stationed in Washington, D.C.

Helen was a substitute teacher at Wachusett Regional High School and also taught in Warren. She worked for many years as a librarian at the Lancaster Town Library. She was an active member of the Rutland Congregational Church having taught in its Sunday school program and served on the mission's committee. She volunteered for many years as a 4-H leader, for Heifer International in Rutland and served as Rutland Library Trustee for 24 years.

Helen will be greatly missed not only by her family but by the community of Rutland. Those who knew her best will remember her as an avid gardener who worked in her garden up to the day prior to her death. She also loved reading, writing and was a skilled cook and seamstress. Though her manner was always quiet and gentle, her contribution to her family and community was immense.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. The funeral service for Helen will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13th, in the First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main Street. Burial will be private in Rural Cemetery, Rutland. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be made to the First Congregational Church of Rutland, P.O. Box 484, Rutland; or Heifer International, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland; or the Friends of the Rutland Library, 244 Main St., Rutland, MA 01543.

www.milesfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on Nov. 11, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Calkins

5 Entries

Anne and Mike Meixsell

November 15, 2007

Dear Nelsen,
Anne and I were sorry to learn of Helen's passing so unexpectedly. We enjoyed seeing you again at the 2007 TACF annual meeting and exchanging stories with you and Helen. Do take care of yourself. We are looking forward to seeing you again in the future.
With much sympathy, Anne and Mike Meixsell.

Anne and MIke Meixsell

November 15, 2007

Dear Nelson,
Anne and I were sorry to learn of Helen's passing so unexpectedly. We enjoyed seeing you again and exchanging stories with you and Helen at the 2007 TACF annual meeting. Do take care of yourself. Anne and I look forward to seeing you again in the future.
With much sympathy, Anne and Mike Meixsell.

Frank & Deb Howard

November 12, 2007

Dear Nelson and family, We send our deep sympahty to you all. Be especially careful about
your safety for many months because accidents
during grief occur often. We have made a Heifer
International contribution in Helen's memory.

Tom and Nancy Conlon

November 11, 2007

Nelson, So sorry to hear of your loss. A loss also for the Rutland Congregational Church and Rutland libary as well. She will be missed by so many but what memories she leaves for all who knew her. We know that you will carry on as you always have done for the benefit of many, in memory of Helen.

Helen and Nelson volunteering for The American Chestnut Foundation

Kathy Desjardin

November 11, 2007

Nelson, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. The first time I met you was at the planting of the American Chestnut Orchard at Moore State Park in 2003. As members and volunteers you and Helen patiently worked with my young children to make protective shields for the seedlings. You've both worked tirelessly in spreading the word of The American Chestnut Foundation. Just two weeks ago it was a pleasure to see you and Helen attending the 24th annual meeting of TACF in Vermont. Helen must have been so proud to view the orchard at Shelburne Farms in the state where she was born. May you be blessed with many fond memories of a life well lived.

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