Helen Louise Cushing

Helen Louise Cushing Helen Louise Cushing TAMPA, Fla. Helen Louise Cushing passed away on December 31, 2009 in Tampa Florida, after complications from a stroke. The second daughter of Fred and Lou Jeannotte, Helen was born in Springfield Massachusetts in 1920. An excellent student, Helen was chosen to attend Classical High School, following a college preparatory course of study. The Depression made Helens dreams of college unattainable; however, as a voracious reader, she was one of the most self educated women of her time. Even in her eighties, she kept abreast of current events and could hold her own in any conversation on history, literature or contemporary topics. Instead of attending college, Helen went to work at Mass Mutual Insurance Company. Her career ended when she wedded her dear husband Ernest Cushing, as it was the policy at the time not to employ a married woman. She always took great pleasure in the fact that she was so well respected in her job; her boss would have made an exception to this rule and tried to rehire her after her marriage. She was married for 60 years to Ernest, who preceded her in death in 2003. Known for her beautiful hats, Helen always had a flair for style. In her later years, she volunteered for Hospice at their thrift shop in Tampa and was always counted on for sage fashion advice to local shoppers. She also had a great sense of adventure and loved to travel - visiting many countries with her husband, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Hawaii, Europe, Scandinavia, Rumania, Yugoslavia, Greece, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and much of the Caribbean. This adventurous spirit continued into her 80s, where she traveled solo to Thailand and loved every minute of it, especially her ride on an elephant. Helen also loved exploring the American West and our beautiful national parks, especially when camping in a pop-up camper she and Ernest purchased after his retirement. A great friend to many, Helen cherished her membership in the International Sisterhood of P.E.O. and her time spent supporting the James Library in Norwell. She was also an avid bridge player and a skilled golfer. She will be dearly missed by her three children: Barbara Cushing Anderson formerly of Norwell, MA and now of Nantucket, MA, John Cushing of Lutz, FL, Anne Cushing Post of Kirkland, WA, a sister Barbara Bardwell of Springfield, MA, 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Helens name to The James Library, 24 West St., Norwell, MA 02061. The family plans a memorial at a later date.