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Helen Knowlton Obituary
ASHLAND -- Helen Noreen (Potter) Knowlton, 77, died March 4, 2011, in Lakes Region General Hospital after a period of failing health.
She was born Dec. 28, 1933, in Plymouth, daughter of Edward S. and Annie (Merchant) Potter.
She was raised in Plymouth, attended local schools and was a graduate of Plymouth High School Plymouth Teachers College in 1955. She had a long career in education, first in Troy for a year, followed by 44 years as a social studies teacher and assistant principal at Ashland High School.
She was a member of the N.H. Retired Teachers Association, served on the Ashland School Board, coached cheerleading, coached the girl's basketball team, and served as school moderator. She also was a member of the Ashland Women's Club, the Ashland Garden Club, and the Ashland Sports Boosters Association.
Family members include her husband of 54 years, Raymond Knowlton of Ashland; two daughters, Rhonda Fahrner and Kelly Avery, both of Ashland; sister Patricia Pike of Belmont; brother Delbert Potter of Dallas, Texas; many nieces and nephews.
IN HER LIFE: She is survived by three grandchildren, Justin Avery of Meredith, Christopher Avery of Ashland, and Ericha Fahrner of Ashland.
SERVICES: Calling hours are Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in Dupuis Funeral Home, Hill Avenue, Ashland. Funeral is Saturday at 10 a.m. in Ashland Baptist Church, Main Street, Ashland. Spring burial will be in Green Grove Cemetery, Ashland. Donations may be made to the Helen Knowlton Scholarship Fund, c/o Brad Wolff, 16 Education Drive, Ashland 03217. Dupuis Funeral Home, Ashland, is handling arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Knowlton
Aprille D Bernard
February 28, 2025
Thank you for every kindness..You are forever missed.
Robert Moore
February 28, 2022
To this day I remember Mrs. Knowlton as one of my best teachers.
Aprille D Bernard
February 28, 2021
I love and miss you Mrs Knowlton..your tolerance and kindness will never be forgotten..I hope your grandson makes you proud..
Roger Weisberg
March 14, 2011
Helen would find the best qualities in all her students and bring it out. She treated every student with respect. She was the best teacher of life that anyone could ask for.
March 14, 2011
Aunt Helen; we loved you and admired you more than words can ever say. We both will miss you dearly. As an educator we and all the other generations of AHS students were truly blessed to have such an amazing and dedicated teacher who was the most respected and loved teacher of all time. Uncle Ray,Rhonda, Kelly, and extended family; your all in our thoughts and prayers.
Deepest Sympathy, Bouncer & Carline Cain
March 13, 2011
To the Knowlton Family: We are sorry to hear about Helen,she was a great teacher and a wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed.Leslie&Sylvia Downing, Belmont
Steve Perkins
March 13, 2011
My sincere sympathy to the Knowlton family.Thank you Mrs.Knowlton for being in my life not just as my teacher,but as a neighbor and friend.You will be sadly missed but never forgotten.Thank you for the everlasting memories.
Dean Yeaton
March 13, 2011
To Ray, Rhonda, and Kelly, I am very sorry for your loss! Helen was a great lady and quite a fixture in the town. She meant a LOT to the town of Ashland! Having her as both a teacher and a neighbor, well, I certainly could not screw up now could I? A recent funny moment with her took place a year or two ago. My brother was at her house visiting/harassing her(in a fun way) as he liked to do, getting her wound up about something. I innocently came over to say hello to her and Ray. I walk in the door and I jokingly get from her “Oh great, here comes moron #2”.
We will all miss you Helen! Rest in Peace!
Michelle Kovacs
March 12, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton, I want to thank you for never giving up on me!!! I remember the times where you would say "I'll hang ya/zap ya....using 2 fingers to show us!!! You will truly be missed!!!
Andy, Class of 1961 Roger, Class of 1966
March 12, 2011
You will always be "Auntie" Helen to me. You have been such a positive influence to all. You have been the teacher, the listener, and the inspirer. Most of all a true great friend! When ever Roger and I get togeather, Auntie Helen and Uncle Ray come up in our conversations. God bless you Ray, Kelly, and Rhonda.
Donna Holman Irwin
March 11, 2011
To the Knowlton family - I was so saddened when I heard that she had been taken from earth. As you go through the days ahead may God comfort your hearts and draw you close to himself. Mrs Knowlton was very dear to my heart. I will miss her smile and quick wit. History is my favorite subject which I give credit to her great teaching. She prepared me for college. My heart goes out to you as a family and you are in my prayers.
Nancy (Forbes) Ward
March 11, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ralph and Cathy Lyford
March 11, 2011
This guest book is certainly a testament to the wonderful person and teacher that Helen was. Ray, Rhonda, Kelly and families - our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We'll miss you Helen.
March 10, 2011
Helen:
You will be missed by everyone that you touched with your wisdom and humor. Thank you for your legacy.
My sympathy to the entire family,
Gail (Latulippe)Lary
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
jamie lyford
March 10, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton I will always remember you and the knowledge you gave me over the years.
Richard Edmands
March 10, 2011
Sorry for your loss, Ray. Helen was one year behind me at Plymouth High School.
chris hill
March 10, 2011
helen, you were one of my favorite customers at hannaford's. i have some good thoughts and memories of you and i keep thinking that you will be coming in the store. you always brightened up my day when i seen you, and you were always in good spirits. you will be missed by people at hannaford's. we loved you helen. we had a lot of respect for you. i will always love and miss you helen, and my sincere regrets go out to your family and relatives. cashier at hannaford's.
Roger Blake
March 9, 2011
Helen, you were an inspiration to all of us. As a fellow teacher for six years you truly helped me grow as a teacher. With you it was always about what was best for our students. I have extremely fond memories of my time in Ashland, much of which was because of you.
March 9, 2011
to the family of Mrs Knowlton, sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful teacher. When we ran into her we always had a nice talk. She will be missed. Rick and Bev. Nobley
Lori Moore Mayo
March 9, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. Helen, so many fond childhood and adolescent memories take me back to the days spent with you and your family. Mrs. Knowlton, you gave so much to Ashland High School and those who entered it's doors; the stuff of which folklore is made. Your legacy will live on in our hearts, dreams and the folklore of Ashland for generations to come. Kelly, Rhonda and Ray, may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Arlene Corso
March 9, 2011
It was an honor working with you. You will be remembered for your passion for teaching, the children whose lives you touched and your humor. You will be missed! Thoughts and prayers to the Knowlton family.
Joanne - Josie Wright
March 9, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had Mrs Knowlton for my teacher when I was in Ashland school. She was the one teacher that I truly admired. She will be truly missed. My prayers go out to all of you.
March 9, 2011
Ray, It has been over 15 years since we worked together.I'm real sorry for your loss. I've thought of you both, often. Babe Moulton
Anne Lamson
March 8, 2011
Helen, thank you from the bottom of our heart. At first I feared you, what if I said something wrong as a young Mother, you told me I couldn't. I'll miss you more than I can put into words, you were a true friend.
Gerard Lamson
March 8, 2011
The greatest teacher of all times, and one of the most influential people to show me what I am capable of. Even this past Halloween, when I would stop by her house with my kids, she would always give me and my kids advise. She will be missed by many, but will live forever in our Hearts...
cindy small
March 8, 2011
RIP Mrs. Knowlton, u were loved by many. You were able to show and teach so many of us with ur great wisdom and for that we will be forever grateful! God couldn't have asked for a better angel.
Eric Giebel
March 8, 2011
In remembrance of a long life well lived: Dedicated teacher, valued friend, faithful wife, loving mother and grandmother. The circle of life eventually closes for all of us. Let us celebrate and give thanks for a life filled with giving. My heart rests with the family.
Aprille Bernard
March 7, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton was one of the finest women it had been my pleasure to meet in my life. She made my kids and I feel as if we belonged in Ashland. She gave my kids courage and believed in them when no one else felt they had to. There is something we call the great women in history..the strong women..the ones no one dares to mess with and she was..and always will be..a classy broad..Rest in peace that your soul can continue to do what your heart always had..Much MUCH love and respect from Aprille,Dan and Joseph Bernard
Karen Spickler
March 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Knowlton Family. What a wonderful woman She was. May your memories with her bring you comfort. Rest In Peace Mrs. Knowlton
Carol Boisvert-Stark
March 7, 2011
Just finished reading the guest book entries, what can I say that wasn't already said? Mrs.Knowlton was one of the most amazing people to have entered my life. She used her God given gifts to their fullest, a blessing to everyone. My fondest memory of her is "Would you like to come back at 3:00 and we'll discuss it then?", her way of "giving" detention...lol...will NEVER forget that. My condolences to the Knowlton family......she is now an angel in heaven.
Sandra Prescott
March 7, 2011
Mrs Knowlton was one of the most admired teachers and citizens of the town of Ashlalnd. She taught both me and my children, and her passing is a great loss to the community. Our deepest sympathies to the Knowlton family.
Catherine Shaw
March 7, 2011
Helen was a teacher who my children loved and respected. She will be missed by many.
Phil Young
March 7, 2011
Helen was a role model for many of us. As others have said she has had a profound effect on my life. I use her guidance everyday in whatever school I work in. She was a model teacher, gaining respect from her students, providing them with a quality education. Helen was someone to look up to in my early years. I am glad that she was in my life for all those years, so long ago. Her place in the world can never be filled again. May she be flying with the angels as she did in life.
Linda Brown, Mutney
March 7, 2011
The town of Ashland, Has lost a wonderful Lady, Friend, Teacher,Mother and wife. She blessed everyone who was lucky enough to have meet her.She always had the most heart warming smile. She made you feel special. no matter who you were. I thank the Knowlton family for shareing this wonderful Lady, You know what a joy she was to all who knew her. I know she walks with the lord right now. and is so happy and Blessed. You are missed more then you ever imagined. God Bless You
Roberta Young-Bolton
March 7, 2011
She was a great teacher to me and so many others. She will always be remembered with a smile.
Carline Carpenter
March 7, 2011
"How do you memorialize a spirit like that of Helen Knowlton? It's hard to do in words....For me,this amazing woman and teacher had a very profound effect on my life. At a time when authority figures meant little to me, she demanded respect in a soft spoken and meaningful way that no one else could, all the while, making learning interesting and fun. She was a rock, a guiding light, someone to look up to, and strive to be like. I have nothing but good memories of her, even though she gave me the most detentions!!!....cause' she always, somehow, managed to teach me a lesson, without making me feel less of a person...but more empowered! Thank you Mrs. Knowlton! Prayers and thoughts to your family....you will be sorely missed by all."
Kathy Hadlock
March 7, 2011
Helen, you taught my sister and brother, myself, and then my kids. You knew everything about our families, and you knew when to move me in history class to avoid me getting in trouble. You were a teacher and became a friend afer graduation, whenever I saw your smiling face it lifted my spirits. Your battle was a long hard one but your endurance was never ending. I cannot imagine Ashland without you. God bless Helen...I'll miss you.... Kathy and Spence
March 7, 2011
You will be missed Helen. You have touched many lives and we will never forget that!
Tim, Heather and Mason Joubert
Michael Dahlberg
March 7, 2011
Rest in peace Mrs. Knowlton. You stood by me when everyone else turned their backs. I will never forget you. A true educator. God Bless you and your family. Thank you for everything.
J & K Morrell
March 7, 2011
Helen was one of those touchstone teachers-always there and consistent-in school and out. A good neighbor-how anyone can handle the amount of kids & adults to say Hi coming through her house on Halloween I'll never know. But mostly a kind and generous hearted individual who was an Ashland staple. Thankful to have known you Helen. Thinking of you Kelly, Rhonda and Ray..
Pat D'Alessandro
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton, you were an awesome woman and teacher! Thank you for being a part of my family's lives and we will always hold you deep in our thoughts and hearts!!! You will always be remembered! Rest in peace....
March 6, 2011
Mrs. "Auntie" Helen Knowlton was an inspiration to everyone she met. She cared for each student that walked the halls of AHS. She provided me with challenges and courage to go beyond what I thought I could do. Auntie Helen you will always be in my heart and I am honored to have had you in my life.
Ray, Rhonda, Kelly and family my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leah Jaquith
March 6, 2011
Helen Knowlton was my supervisor when I was a student teacher. She was then a friend and colleague when I taught at AHS. She had the most amazing knack for bringing out the best in students. I will miss her and I'm certain Ashland is feeling her loss today. Our thought are with Ray, Rhonda and Kelly and their families.
Leah Jaquith, Athens, Ohio
Randy
March 6, 2011
To those of us that do not know how to give? We should all take this person as an example of how to live in this world, myself included. I will ,even though I thought I was giving enough! It is never enough. Love you Helen.
Katrina Randlett
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton,
you will be missed. you were a wonderful teacher and a great beach bum with my gram. i may not have been one of your students, but i certainly learned a lot from you. take care of yourself in heaven.
Paul Holt
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton you will be missed.You where a great teacher.Rest in peace.
Jamie Lynn Heath-Greer
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton
you will be deeply missed........for you have touched the lives of so many. Thank you for always being there for me and my family. I will never forget the wisdom you taught me. Rest In Peace
Rebecca (Guay) Buford
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton, you are the true defintion of a hero! You touched so many lives and we will all take a little piece of you with us to live on forever! To Ray-Ray, Rhonda, Kelly and kids...a community morns with you during this time. Thank you all so much for sharing this amazing woman with us!
Jamie Lynn (Heath) Greer
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton
you will be deeply missed........for you have touched the lives of so many. Thank you for always being there for me and my family. I will never forget the wisdom you taught me. Rest In Peace
Jamie Lynn (Heath) Greer
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton
you will be deeply missed........for you have touched the lives of so many. Thank you for always being there for me and my family. I will never forget the wisdom you taught me. Rest In Peace
Robert Moore
March 6, 2011
Mrs K will be heavily missed by us all. She taught many of us through many outlets. She continued to shine after teaching. I am glad that my son also had the blessing of her presence in the classroom. My condolensces to the Knowlton Family and the Ashland Community (her second family). God surely has saved a special place for her.
Angie Keeney
March 6, 2011
I just love Helen, you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace my shopping buddy.
Kris Chouinard
March 6, 2011
Helen you will definitely be missed. hugs to the family!!!
Jason Huckins
March 6, 2011
I can't even begin to say how sad I was to hear of this. She was a great Teacher, friend and a wonderful woman to have known. All the Knowlton's are in my prayers in this tough time. May god Bless and give you the strength to get through this.
Dan and Julie Lyford
March 6, 2011
An unforgetable woman and teacher has been lost to all but our memories. She touched so many lives in a caring and meaningful way and there's got to be a very special place for her in heaven!
Dan and Julie Lyford
March 6, 2011
An unforgetable woman and teacher has been lost to all but our memories. She touched so many lives in a caring and meaningful way and there's got to be a very special place for her in heaven!
Dan and Julie Lyford
March 6, 2011
What an unforgetable woman and teacher. She touched so many lives in a positive and caring way. I bet there's a very special place in heaven for Mrs. Knowlton!
Barbi Sharrow
March 6, 2011
Helen, you taught me, my husband and my two kids as well as so many others. We all could count on you ffor your support, honesty, and strength. You served your community with all your heart. You will be missed. ...:(
marcy page
March 6, 2011
The town of Ashland and surrounding area has lost a very special friend this week. She was an amazing teacher and friend. Always a smile on her face and a cheerful hello when ever I saw her. My thoughts and prayers are with the Knowlton family.
Jaime Mutney
March 6, 2011
mrs. knowlton you will be miss by all. you where one of my favorite teachers i remember always jokeing in class with you so many memories includeing you giving all us kids coal for christmas we all use to pick on you saying you use to teach back in the stone age... we i know you are no longer in pai and you will be reunited with all that you have lost RIP and i love and miss you....
Lisa Turner Lima
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton, you will be greatly missed. You were a wonderful teacher and I enjoyed having you as "my" teacher. Please say hi to my dad for me. I'm sure you two will now catch up on the old times. God Bless you and your family. May you rest in peace! Lisa Turner Lima
Tina Prescott-Dumark
March 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Mrs Knowlton was one of the most respected people i had the pleasure to know she will surely be missed . It is with great love and admiration that i say rest in peace my dear mentor.You will be missed
March 6, 2011
Helen was a wonderful teacher..She taught 2 of my kids and I know she influenced them..Thank you Helen...My sympathies to her family..
James Mutneyjr
March 6, 2011
Mrs Knowlton, was a super teacher and friend. as old as dirt lol .Our joke. She was so good to me. and sister. will miss her so very much. James Mutney Jr.
Cori Dame-Tobine
March 6, 2011
Mrs Knowlton you are going to be missed by all. What a Great Teacher you were! How lucky I was to have you! We will also miss seeing you at Annie's! Our thoughts are with the family!
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton had such an amazing way of reaching so many of us who had her as a teacher. No other compared. To "Ray Ray" and the rest of the Knowltons, my sincere sympathies. She will be greatly missed.
Amy Jean-Laauwe Boynton and family
Rebecca Ober
March 6, 2011
Mrs. Knowlton will be missed! I'm very lucky to have had her as a teacher and to know her as a beach lady. My thoughts are with her family.
Darryl and Laurie Heath
March 6, 2011
To a beloved Teacher and friend who taught two generations of my family your guidance and wisdom will be sorely missed by all Rest in Peace our prayers are with your family at this difficult time
Laura Binette - Smithson
March 6, 2011
I was lucky to have such a fantastic teacher in my life. She will be missed!
patty palm
March 6, 2011
what a wonderful person you were Mrs. Knowlton,,,the knowledge and direction you bestowed on us will be carried in our lives forever..you will be missed greatly for years to come,,,patty prescott palm
Bill & Pat Koning & Family Koning
March 6, 2011
Helen was one of those people and teacher who left an indelible mark on all people that she came into contact with. Helen is someone that one never forgets in your journey called life.
Bonni Acton (Quattro)
March 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Knowlton family in this time of sorrow. Mrs. Konwlton was so fun to have as a teacher and mentor. I will never forget her sarcastic humor and "to the point" attitude, which I loved about her! Rest in peace Mrs. Knowlton!
John and Patty Chamberlin
March 6, 2011
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
March 6, 2011
Like so many others, you have impacted the lives of the Matthews family in many different ways. Whether it was by teaching, mentoring, fund raising, or just by being there. We love and will miss you!
Larry, Penni, Melissa, Khrista, and Sabrina Matthews
March 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to The Knowlton Family. She was a amazing teacher who had made a impact on me as well as others. Rest in peace Mrs. Knowlton.
Linda Small Shanley
March 6, 2011
My condolences to Mrs Knowlton's family, and my sincere appreciation for sharing her with all of us who were blessed, beyond words, to be her students. She was a most remarkable person, and it is my honor to have known her. May God continue to bless her family and every life she touched.
Chantelle Friedman
March 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Knowlton family. Mrs. Knowlton was a great mentor and educator for thousands, including me. She had a major impact on my future. Her positive spirit will be missed by the entire community.
Chantelle (Brown) Friedman
March 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Knowlton family. Mrs. Knowlton was a great mentor to thousands of people, including me. Her positive spirit will be missed greatly by the community.
Mike Emerson
March 6, 2011
Mrs Knowlton was such an important part of so many individuals lives, whether they realize it or not. She truly was an angel on earth...
Class trip 1993
Kelldah Sousa
March 6, 2011
Eight grade class trip in 1993
Kelldah Sousa
March 6, 2011
Kelldah Sousa
March 6, 2011
To the Knowlton family my thoughts and prayers are with you in this hard time. She was an amazing woman who touched many of our lives even through generations of families, she will be missed greatly.
Tom & Crystal Stewart
March 6, 2011
Town of Ashland has lost an icon in history with your passing. Mrs. Knowlton was the best educator at Ashland High School in our eyes. She helped mold both my husband and myself into what we are today. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and the family during this most difficult time. We will miss her greatly. Rest In Peace Mrs. Knowlton
March 6, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Her passing is actually a loss for us all. She was a great woman, mother, educator and mentor.
Sue (Small) Berry Northfield, NH
vickie thomas
March 6, 2011
The earth is minus one wonderful person today.
For those who knew Helen Knowlton, this is terrible news.
Her family loved her madly, her students loved her fiercely and even those who didn't fall in to one of those catergories still loved her.
We'll miss you Helen
Tara Beauchemin
March 6, 2011
Mrs Knowlton was an incredible woman who touched the hearts of many people. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family
March 6, 2011
We loved Helen and she touched each of us in a variety of special ways. Please know that you are all in our thoughts.
Bob, Pat, Traci, Rob and Alli Tucker
Maria Verdone Shortt
March 6, 2011
To the family of Mrs. Knowlton,
I am very sorry for your loss. She was a great lady who always had a smile everytime I saw her. Thoughts and prayers are with the family always.
Shawn Magoon
March 6, 2011
To All, I just heard the news and trust me when I say we have all lost a true Hero in our world- "GRAM" will truly be missed by all of us-
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