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DANBY - Helen G. Billings, of Danby, died peacefully Saturday morning, September 20, 2008, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center following a brief illness, three days after celebrating her 98th birthday.
She was born in Peru, Vt., the daughter of Edmund and Christine (Wilkinson) Batchelder, and attended schools in Peru and Townsend.
Helen's life was exemplified by her strength, her faith and her love. As well as being a wife and mother, farmer and sugarmaker, she opened Vermont's first Licensed Community Care Home in the early '60s. During this time she also earned her nursing degree. She officially retired in 1995 at the age of 85.
Mrs. Billings was also the author of the book, "The Other Mission Field."
She spent her life caring for others, and no matter if they were residents of her Adella Community Care Home or members of her family, strength, love and compassion made up her message. Her love for God manifested itself in her love for others, and as she gave of herself in life, she gave in death: in 1975 she arranged for her remains to be donated to UVM's School of Medicine.
Survivors include two sons, Gordon Bushee and his wife Ruthann, Kenneth Bushee and his wife Frances; five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Alfred Bushee, and her second husband, Allen Billings.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours.
A memorial service will be held at Mt. View Baptist Church in Danby Four Corners on Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Her Life at the Danby Town Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association, Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging or Mt. View Baptist Church, C/O Aldous Funeral Home, 44 North Main St., Rutland, VT 05701.
Online condolences and guest book at rutlandherald.com/obits, or send private condolences through www.aldousfuneralhome.com.
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Jim & Lorraine Hunt
October 7, 2008
We are so sorry to hear of Aunt Helen's passing. We were away and could not make her services but our heart go out to all the family for your loss. I will never forget her birthday as it is the our anniversary.
Gladys frasier
September 30, 2008
A....always there
U....unconditional
N....never gave up
T....thoughtful
H....heart
E....everlasting
L....love
E....encouragement
N....new beginings
We will always love and miss you.
Gladys Frasier
Jennifer (J.J.) Haskell
September 27, 2008
My condolances go out to family and friends.Iam so sorry to hear she is gone.I knew her since when I was little and the lady that lived with her Elsie Hayes (my nannie).They both was the best of friends.Now they are together again living in peace.They will always be remembered as special ladys.We will meet them again someday. From J.J.
Lorraine Carrington
September 26, 2008
I have known Helen for a very long time and I know she made a difference in the lives of many people including mine. I have fond memories of the days on the farm in Danby. My sincere condolences to Ken, Gordon and their families. We know she is with God who was the strength in her life.
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David Lee
September 24, 2008
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your entire family.
Fish Fry Night at the Alps Rod & Gun Club in Stephentown, NY 2003
Pat Brazie-Flint
September 24, 2008
Memories such as this, will last forever.
A well loved Mother with her sons, Gordon and Ken.
Pat & David Flint
September 24, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Aunt Helen's loving arms were always in easy reach for all of us. From right to left: Gladys, Nancy & Patsy
Pat Brazie-Flint
September 24, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
SHARON WESCOTT
September 23, 2008
OUR FAMILY WAS SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT HELENS' PASSING OUR CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO KENS' FAMILY & TO GORDONS' FAMILY TOM & SHARON WESCOTT DENNIS & KARISSA LEE DANBY
Helen and Her Treasures
September 22, 2008
Pat Brazie-Flint
September 22, 2008
I believe that Aunt Helen was chosen by Jesus from a bouquet of flowers for his very own garden, because God needed her now.
She was devoted not only to all of us (her family), but to God always.
She encouraged all of us to keep the Faith, as she herself did.
She was a beautiful person, who radiated Blessings on everyone who came into her life.
A poem that Aunt Helen believed in:
"When I Get To Heaven"
by Emily McAdams
You have left us with so many great memories to cherish until we meet again.
Suzi Blakeman / Batchelder
September 22, 2008
To Those I Love
If I should ever leave you whom I love
To go along the Silent Way, grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk
Of me as if I were beside you there.
(I'd come-I'd come, could I but find a way!
But would not tears and grief be barriers?)
And when you hear a song or see a bird
I loved, please do not let the thought of me
Be sad .... For I am loving you just as
I always have ... You were so good, to me!
There are so many things I wanted still
To do --- so many things to say to you ...
Remember that I did not fear ... It was
Just leaving you that was so hard to face ...
We cannot see Beyond.. But this I know:
I loved you so - 'twas heaven here with you!
Aunt Helen will be sorely missed by many. My condolences to everyone who will hurt with this pain. May God touch your hearts with lots of loving memories in your grief.
Cyndi Frere
September 22, 2008
Aunt Helen is so loved by so many! She was full of life and love. I enjoyed hearing her stories and her laughter. I will miss her greatly. Heaven has become a little bit sweeter. God Blessed us with you Aunt Helen! I'm praying for all of us now left with a hole in our hearts. I wish I could be there.
Bob Frasier
September 22, 2008
Although I only knew her a short time
she always treated me as family and I shall forever miss her kindness.
Aunt Helen was a great addition to my life's experiences.
My best to all family in this time of sorrow.
Kim Heald
September 22, 2008
I am very sorry for the loss of Aunt Helen--she was loved by so many-including my mother Gladys-I did not realize how important she was to my mom, until now. She has many fond memories of her and it is nice to hear. Again from my family-our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Karen & Kelly Banks
September 21, 2008
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." That we could all give as much as Helen did. She was an amazing human being. Love and Prayers
Ellie Merrow-Garcia
September 21, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
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