Viola Ruth Helstrom
HELSTROM, Viola Ruth, 85, PERHAM, at Caribou, July 31, 2011. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 1 p.m., at Perham Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Perham. Arrangements are in the care of Lancaster-Morgan Funeral Homes, Caribou.
PERHAM – Viola Ruth Helstrom, 85, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, July 31, 2011 in Caribou. She was born in Perham, November 20, 1925, the daughter of Hampton and Sarah (Walker) McBreairty. Viola married Gordon Helstrom in 1942 and the two farmed together and were happily wed for fifty four years before Gordon’s passing in 2000. Viola’s work ethic and dedication could never have gone unnoticed. She was employed for many years at Tater State in Washburn and Potato Service in Presque Isle. After retiring, she and Gordon found joy in building pine crafts together and selling their creations at local craft fairs.
Viola was a lifelong member of the Perham Baptist Church where she was loved by young and old alike. Her faith was a cornerstone in her personality and her belief continued to shine through the last days of her life. For over fifty years, she was the life of the party at the Perham Friendship Club gatherings and always looked forward to sharing her homemade treats, crafts, and stories with her good friends.
Many who knew Viola will remember her one-of-a-kind collection of frogs. Over the years, many special frogs were given to her from friends and family and she truly cherished them all. From her grandchildren who loved her as “Grammy Froggy” to anyone else who had the pleasure of enjoying her famous “twists”, a meal with Viola was always a feast. At the center of the table was always a vase of freshly cut flowers from Viola’s own treasured gardens.
Viola was happy making braided rugs and embroidering pillow cases for family and friends. She also took great pride in putting together special photo albums and was thoughtful with her hand-written letters. Above all, Viola loved to talk and laugh. If she thought about it, she said it. For all who knew Viola, she was appreciated for her gift of gab and clever wit.
She is survived by her son Dwight Helstrom and his companion Sue Moreau of Mapleton, and son Sterling Helstrom and his wife Ellen of Presque Isle; four grandchildren, Dwight Helstrom Jr. and his wife Stephanie of Hudson, Vicki Helstrom of Williamsburg, New Brunswick, Christopher Helstrom and his wife Caitlin of Cape Elizabeth, and Lisa Helstrom of Somerville, MA; great grandchildren, Kasey, Sara, Carl and Anna: and great-great grandchildren Gage; her sister Barbara Sperry of Houlton, and her brother Ronald McBrearity of PA; and by several special nieces and nephews including Noreen, Linda, Birdena, Bridget, and Patsy.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Gordon; her brothers, James, Hampton, Louie, and Roger McBreairty; and her sisters Annie Martin, and Phyllis Pelletier.
Friends and family called on Tuesday, August 2, from 6-9 p.m. at Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover Street, Caribou. A Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 1 p.m. at Perham Baptist Church, the Reverend Dave Goupille officiating. Interment will follow the funeral at Fairview Cemetery in Perham. Donations in Viola’s memory may be made to Perham Baptist Church, 681 Perham Road, Perham, ME 04766. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.lancastermorgan.com
