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Helen Fenton Obituary

Hampstead - Helen Powers Fenton, 86, a 55-year resident of Hampstead, died peacefully on May 30, 2013, surrounded by loving family members.

Helen was born in Boston and was the daughter of Irish immigrants James Powers and Annie O'Leary. She was raised in Dover, Mass., and graduated from Dover High School. Helen went on to earn an associate degree from Katharine Gibbs School, Boston. Afterward, she took a turn managing the family-owned Powers Stable.

Helen and her former husband, James "Whitey" Fenton, ran a successful and well-known show-horse business (American Saddlebreds) throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Helen worked at Brooks School, North Andover, Mass., from 1973 to 1991, serving as secretary to the headmaster from 1974 until her retirement. She was awarded the Trustees' Prize during graduation ceremonies in 1988.

In the 1970s, Helen returned to the horse business on a part-time basis, working as a show steward and judge at shows throughout New England. She eventually moved on to a long "second career" in show management, retiring in 2010. In 2009, Helen received national recognition by being named the United Professional Horsemen's Association (UPHA) Horse Show Manager of the Year. Some of her other notable awards after having spent a lifetime associated with the horse business include: UPHA Lifetime Achievement Award, New England Morgan Horse Show Hall of Fame and the Deerfield Fair Horse Show Hall of Fame.

Helen is survived by her children, James Fenton and his wife, Lee, of Haverhill, Mass., Michael Fenton and his wife, Judith, of Lenoir City, Tenn., Peter Fenton and his wife, Janice Giles, of Pleasureville, Ky.; Anne Canniff and her husband, Robert, of Atkinson, and Stephen Fenton and his wife, Catherine, of East Hampstead.

She was predeceased by her grandson, Matthew Fenton, and is survived by six grandchildren, Shaye Matthews, Daniel, Michael and Thomas Canniff, and Nora and Clara Fenton; she had two great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Grace Matthews.

.

services: Calling hours will be held Monday, June 10, from 5 to 7:30 pm, followed by a funeral service at 7:45 p.m, at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow. A graveside service for family and friends will be held Tuesday, June 11, at 11 a.m. at Brookdale Cemetery of Dedham, Mass. To offer online condolences, please visit www.brooksidechapelfh.com.

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

Published by Union Leader on Jun. 5, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Fenton

Not sure what to say?





Debbie Schlee-Broadead

June 15, 2013

To the Fenton Family - I was so very sorry to hear that your Mom/grandmother has died. I have many fond memories of Helen from her time at Brooks School....most especially during the year Richard Holmes was Headmaster...and when we helped him move out of the farmhouse and on to Cape Town, South Africa. He absolutely adored her. She was one great lady! My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.

Sandra Powers

June 12, 2013

It is with great sadness that I hear of my aunts death. Our families have lost contact after my father's death in 1969 and I am sorry for the lost years. I was very young when I first knew Helen, albeit as "Sister Helen",( I thought she was a nun for the longest time) and she was so nice to me and so pretty, as the fifth of seven children her kind attention to me formed a lasting memory.
My sincerest condolences for your loss.

June 11, 2013

So sorry to hear about your lose. I enjoyed visiting with her. She was a lovely lady and I am glad to have shared so many of her memories.

Ava Capra

Chris Cassenti took this photo at Gr State Morgan

Chris Cassenti

June 10, 2013

Douglass Knight

June 10, 2013

1. VERY sorry to hear the sad news of your loss....

2. When I lost my father in July of 1973, Helen and Anne came to my parents' home in order to pay their respects to my mother.... Thank you.

3. May your mother Rest in Peace; and, may you all be thankful that she was blessed with a Full Life....

Nancy Noble

June 10, 2013

Pete and Family,
Your mother will be fondly remembered by so many in our industry. She was one of a kind and we will miss her. So sorry for your loss.
Nancy Noble

June 10, 2013

Jim; We are so sorry to hear about your Mom. Even though she has been ill --we are sure it is not an easy thing to lose your Mom. Karen and I want to send you sincere condolences. Our hearts are with you and your family. love Elaine and Karen

Pauline & Helene Masaschi

June 6, 2013

Qw were truly sorry to hear of your mother's passing. We have many fond
memories during our years at the Whitey
Fenton Stable. We always enjoyed your
mother.

Richard Eaton

June 6, 2013

Hello Jim
Sorry for your Loss. prayers to you and your Family- Dick Eaton

Christine Knowlton

June 5, 2013

Jim, My thoughts are with you.

Chris Cassenti

June 5, 2013

Thank you Helen, for being a good friend and for your guidance to so many of us in the horse industry. You did a great job and we won't let you down! Chris & Larry Cassenti (Chrislar Farm).

Valerie Carr-Kelleher

June 5, 2013

My fondest regards to the Fenton family. Your father was my horse trainer for many years and I had the opportunity of meeting Helen, she was a lovely lady. I wish you all the best, and am so glad that you were able to have her in your lives for so long. Whitey was a large part of my life and I'm sure his spirit is still with you, as it is with me

Thank you for being a friend and mentor!

Chris Cassenti

June 4, 2013

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

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Memorial Events
for Helen Fenton

Jun

10

Calling hours

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home

116 Main Street Route 121A, Plaistow, NH 03865

Jun

10

Funeral service

7:45 p.m.

Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home

116 Main Street Route 121A, Plaistow, NH 03865

Jun

11

Graveside service

11:00 a.m.

Brookdale Cemetery

Dedham, MA

Funeral services provided by:

Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home

116 Main Street Route 121A, Plaistow, NH 03865

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