Helen Francis (McGowan) Michaud
MICHAUD, Helen Francis (McGowan), 95, ASHLAND, August 3, 2011. Relatives and friends are invited to call 5-7 p.m., Friday, August 12, at the Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church, Ashland, at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13. Arrangements are in the care of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, Ashland.
ASHLAND – Helen Francis (McGowan) Michaud, 95, passed away peacefully Aug. 3, 2011, with her family by her side. Helen was born Feb. 6, 1916, in Ashland, the daughter of John Hopkins and Nellie Gladys (Rafford) McGowan.
Following her graduation from Ashland High School, she began work as a local telephone operator. She married Norman J. Michaud on Sept. 18, 1941, and they were happily wed for 34 years before his death in 1976. They had five children together, and despite losing her mother at the age of 5, Helen was a naturally caring and loving mother. She taught her children how to handle the changing landscapes of life, and could often be heard saying “Count Your Blessings” and “Do Your Best”.
In addition to raising a family, Helen spent time behind the cash register at Michaud Brothers IGA in Ashland, where she and Norman were part owners and operators.
Helen was well known for her generous and giving nature. She served her community as a volunteer fire department dispatcher, a library trustee, a member of the St. Mark’s Sodality, the William Dalton Historical Society and the Music Booster Club. Helen was a very gifted musician and artist. She played the piano every day of her life and would on occasion, bring out the ukelele. For many years, along with her brothers, she played in the McGowan Family band throughout “The County”. She was also known for her exceptional sense of humor. Her home was filled with music and laughter, and visitors always felt welcome. When family or friends stopped by, Helen dropped everything and focused on their visit, as she considered time with loved ones a precious gift. She had the ability to make everyone feel special. She took time to stay connected with others’ lives through the many letters and cards she penned. At the age of 72, she moved to Orono to be closer to family. While living there, she enjoyed many events at the University of Maine, particularly the Maine Center of the Arts. During these years, she enjoyed traveling and continued her love of books and reading. At the age of 80, Helen moved to the Ellen Leach Memorial Home in Brewer, where she lived for ten years. She enjoyed her many new friends there and was known as the Scrabble queen. She continued to fill the halls of her new “home” with music, playing her piano for her fellow retirees. Her last few years were spent in a Brewer memory loss facility where she continued to play & entertain.
She is survived by her two sons: Ernest Norman Michaud and his wife, Marcia, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and John McGowan Michaud of Bangor; three daughters: Deborah Jean Maddi and her husband, Dennis of Winthrop, Julie Ann Michaud of Bangor and Margaret June Michaud of Hermon; a sister, Ruth Searway of Portland; ten grandchildren: Matthew Michaud, Nell Maurine Michaud Tiedeman, Gwen Michaud Baines, Anne Michaud, Aimee Cain Bakeman, Katye Michaud, Andrea Maddi, Kendra Michaud Symbal, Sgt. Dow R. Cain II and Karli Cain; 11 great-grandchildren: Ella, Lilly and Jack Tiedeman, Destinee, Malorie and Gregory Baines, Reece, Gavin and Ava Bakeman, Hunter and Evy Symbal; and many special nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to express gratitude to Kevin Miller MD and to the Memory Loss staff led by Mary Rowe RN for the exceptional compassionate care given to our mother.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 5-7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 12, at the Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church, Ashland at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13. Committal service and interment will be at the parish cemetery. A gathering for family and friends will follow the burial at St. Mark’s Parish Hall. Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Ashland Public Library, Exchange St., Ashland, ME 04732, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ouellettefuneralhome.com
