Helen M. Lewis

Helen M. Lewis (Wachtmann), 85
OGUNQUIT -- Helen M. Lewis (Wachtmann), 85, of 276 Captain Thomas Rd., died on Aug. 21, 2011, at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, N.H., after a brief illness.
She was born on Dec. 26, 192,5 in Pequannock, N.J., the daughter of Henry G. and Emily M. (Heinemann) Wachtmann and was a 1943 graduate of Butler (N.J.) High School. She received a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Drew University, Madison, N.J., in 1947, and was the center for the varsity basketball team. She received her master's degree in Education from Montclair State Teachers College in 1952.
Helen had worked for E.I. DuPont Corporation during World War II manufacturing rocket igniters. She worked for the City of New York as a chemist testing concrete samples for commercial buildings. She owned and operated with her husband, James, the Hastings- Lyman Hotel in York Beach for 17 years. She also worked as a Computer Assistant in Building 170 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 16 years, retiring in 1992.
She was a member of the Union Congregational Church of York Beach and was a member of the church choir and a Sunday school teacher. She was a member of Silentia Chapter #56 Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed camping, canoeing at the Saco River, cooking for her family and friends, gardening, bird watching, being surrounded by family, watching the waterfall of the Ogunquit River from her new house, and was an avid reader.
Helen was the best of the best; dedicated to her family and a dear friend to all who knew her and will be sorely missed.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, who died in 1953; and a sister, Emily Kerpel, who died in 1979. Survivors include her husband, James P. Lewis of Ogunquit; two sons, Dr. Jess P. Lewis of Sanford, and Frank H. Lewis of Cape Neddick; one brother, Henry G. Wachtmann of Somerville, N.J., one sister, Joan A. Knapp of Pompton Plains, N.J.; several nieces and nephews; six grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
The family of Helen M. Lewis would like to extend their warmest thanks and praise to all the staff members of York Hospital, Dr. Edwards and the staff members at the Hyder Family Hospice Home for their outstanding treatment and compassion for Helen's well being.
Services will be private with burial in the First Parish Cemetery, York. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Rd., York, is directing arrangements. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com.
Helen M. Lewis (Wachtmann)