Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Helen Chickering Obituary
She was born in New York City, the daughter of Helen Stetson Duffus and John Peter Duffus. She grew up in Irvington, N.Y. She graduated from the Masters School, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., in 1942 and Wheaton College, Norton, Mass., in 1946. In 1948, she married George Cutler "Jack" Heiser and together moved to Austin and then, Minneapolis, Minn., Manhattan, Kansas, Huntington, W.V., and Fort Worth, Texas before coming to Franklin, in 1956.
She was predeceased by daughter Jaclyn Duff Heiser in 1954, and her husband Jack in 1966. She remarried George "Chick" Chickering and moved to Pembroke. Duff pursued her passion for music by playing the organ for many years at the Franklin Congregational Church. Everyone knew her as an animal lover and as such, she served on the board of directors of the Concord SPCA for many years. Her home was always full of rescued dogs and cats. She expressed her love of art through her paintings and was a member of the guild of volunteers of the Currier Gallery of Art since its inception in 1981. She traveled extensively with her husband Chick and loved her cottage on Pleasant Lake in Deerfield. She lost Chick in 1998 after 31 years of marriage. She enjoyed her remaining years with her special friend Odbrey "Obb" Ginn, laughing through old age together.
Duff is survived by son, Stetson Heiser and daughter in-law, Ammy Bussmann Heiser; three grandchildren, Cutler, Cammie and Lexi Heiser, all of Pembroke; two stepsons Peter and Mike Chickering; six nieces; one nephew and many great nieces and nephews and her loyal and faithful dog, Angie.
Duff was devoted to her family and all who knew her loved her. Her gregarious joy was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure to know her.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Pembroke Congregational Church Monday, November 7n at 1 p.m. with a reception immediately following in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Duff's memory may be sent to the Concord-Merrimack SPCA, 130 Washington St, Penacook, NH 03303.
Messages of condolence may be offered at www.bennettfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Chickering
Heide Kropp Riess
November 17, 2011
Stets I just saw this today...I will always remember how stylish and fun your mother was. She was so upbeat. I am sorry to hear about her passing..Love to Am...
Lynn Matava
November 7, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Charles & Gale Carignan
November 5, 2011
We have many precious memories of holiday gatherings and swims at Pleasant Lake with Duff and the Heiser/Chickering family, during our 30 years in NH. Duff was always the life of the party; her energy was limitless as was her joy and laughter.
It's probably no accident that she departed on November first, which is All Saints' Day!
Anne Taylor-Allen
November 5, 2011
Hello Stetson,
Our fathers taught school together and I babysat you when I got older, but most of all truly ADORED your mother. It is so sad that I didn't realize she was still in NH.
Blessings to you and your family. She was one very great lady!
Kim Pooler
November 4, 2011
To honor Duff the dogs were groomed today. She is loved and will be missed.
Nancy Bellis
November 4, 2011
Dear Stetson, Ammy and family. I was very sad to hear of Duff's passing. I remember her as a wonderful mother, grandmother, animal lover and woman, who always looked on the bright side of life. She was gracious and dignified, yet wasn't afraid to be funny and mischevious. I always admired her and her commitment and love for her family. My thoughts are with you all.
November 4, 2011
As a 12 year old kid, when very little impressed me, I remember being so taken with Duff. She was just so fun and cool that I wanted to be near her in case it would rub off. I remember her saying: "I keep catching glimpses of myself in the sliding glass door and thinking 'who's that fat old lady?' oh my god, that's me.". And oh that laugh...
Much, much love and sympathy for your loss,
Deidre Lutes Abrons
November 3, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Duff's passing. I always loved her visits to the library and our conversations when she called to renew her books! She was a sweet lady and always had a smile on her beautiful face.
Heather Tiddes, Pembroke Town Library
November 3, 2011
Stets, your Mom was one of the kindest, funniest, dearest women I ever had the pleasure to know in my life. I loved going to the farmhouse and being greeted by more dogs than I had ever seen in my life in one house! Seeing her in her station wagon with at least six riding in the back! I can see her beautiful face as I write. Haven't seen her in over twenty years and wept when I read her obituary. Fondest memories of her. My deepest sympathy to you and Ammy.
Bonnie Packard
Leslie Ward
November 3, 2011
I served on the SPCA board with Duff. She was a pleasure and inspiration to work with. One could see and feel her true feelings for the cause. Many years have passed since then, but time has not diminished my appreciation for her heart-felt devotion she contributed to the Concord SPCA.
Sarah & Reg Dickinson
November 3, 2011
The one word that always comes to mind when thinking of Duff is "sparkle". She simply lite up the room with her presence. We will always remember her ability for making you feel like you were the most important person in the world whenever she spoke with you. She will be greatly missed! Our love and prayers go out to her incredible family.
Linda Williams
November 3, 2011
Dear Stetson, Ammy and family,
My sincere sympathy on the passing of your Mother. I didn't know Duff well but everytime she came into Town Hall she always made me smile with her always sunny and positive attitude. She'll be missed very much.
November 3, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, may all of your wonderful memories help you in your time of sorrow.
Cindy Gelinas and family
November 3, 2011
Every memory we have of Duff is beautiful and filled with warmth. She was a wonderful neighbor with a wonderful and loving family. We cannot express how saddened we are to lose such a warm and loving spirit. Our love and prayers go out to her amazing family. God has called in another angel. She will be missed.
Love- Sheila and Roger Kimball
November 3, 2011
Dear Stets, Ammy, Lexie, Cutler and Cammie... we will always treasure our time with Duff. Liam still has the blanket she knitted for him.. She was a wonderful neighbor and a spectacular dresser!! Our thoughts and love to all of you.. The Wright Family
Cathy Emerson
November 3, 2011
Duff was one of the greatest people I will ever meet in my life. She will sorely be missed. My condolences to the entire family.
Sharri Johnson
November 3, 2011
I feel like I have no words, but at the same time have so many. She was someone I admired so very much for 10 long years, someone who could make you think anything was possible if you just believe, my heart really hurts. The community has lost a great , great soul - I will miss her dearly and so many will agree. I will miss your "go get 'em " attitude" your smile, your laugh, and your hugs Duff...? ? ? never ever to be forgotten - there is only one "Duff" You had so much left to offer..Heaven just got their Angel they have been looking for..
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Helen Chickering's name
Memorial Events
for Helen Chickering
How to support Helen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Helen Chickering's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
