Helen K. Gilman

Helen Marguerite Kallum Gilman, of North Woodstock, NH, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Littleton Regional Hospital in Littleton, NH after years of struggling with dementia.

One of four daughters, Helen was born on December 14, 1935, at her grandparent’s home in Lincoln, NH, daughter of Charles and Ruth (Simonds) Kallum. Helen was a lifelong resident of the Lincoln-Woodstock area and attended Lincoln Public Schools and, true to her love of learning, earned her bachelor’s degree in 1997 from the College for Lifelong Learning, University System of New Hampshire.

Helen loved the outdoors. She enjoyed making quilts, caning chairs, playing the piano, gardening, hiking, cross-country skiing and kayaking. She passed on that love of nature and adventure to her children, often bringing them along on walks in the woods, hikes in the mountains—including many of the 4,000-footers—swims at many of local favorite spots, and visits to the many beautiful places the White Mountains had to offer.

As her grandchildren came along, “Mum” relished spending time with them—hosting them at her home or traveling to visit theirs.

Helen had a deep affection for animals. A beloved lab mix named Molly was a cherished companion in the 1970s, and most recently, her cat Kitty, who lived for 20 years, held a special place in her heart. An avid reader, Helen was a frequent visitor to the local library and always had a book nearby. She was also a dedicated diarist, keeping a daily journal of her life’s daily experiences for over 80 years.

Helen was committed to her community. She volunteered in many capacities, supporting school events, serving on town committees, and actively participating in the life of St. Joseph Church in Lincoln, NH, where she was a communicant and a member of the Daughters of Isabella. Her work life included Office manager at St. Joseph Church for over 30 years, running the hut at the Kancamagus Ski Slope for several winters, and driving the school bus.

Helen was predeceased by a son Matthew Gilman (d. 1979) and her twin sister, Kathleen Kallum Harris (d. 2003): https://obits.phaneuf.net/kathleen-harris. She is survived by three daughters: Louise Leigh (Brad) of York, ME, Laura Sears of Somersworth, NH, and Lydia Wallace (Russell) of Stanstead, P.Q.; two sons: John Gilman (Julie) of Weathersfield, VT and Patrick Gilman (Laurie) of Candia, NH; 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews, and two sisters, Ruth DeMaio of Newington CT, and Rose Paolucci of The Villages FL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, June 28th at St. Joseph Church in Lincoln, NH. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: New Hampshire Audubon (NHA) - https://nhaudubon.org/ or Alzheimer's Association - https://www.alz.org/. Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Boscawen office, is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://phaneuf.net.