Helen E. Finnemore
FINNEMORE, Helen E., 89, CASTLE HILL, July 7, 2011. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle
On July 7, 2011, at the age of 89, Helen E. Finnemore peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior at her home in Castle Hill, as was her wish. Mrs. Finnemore, the beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, was born March 27, 1922, in Mapleton, the 11th of 12 children to Melvin and Cora (Wyman) Archer. She attended Mapleton schools until she met and married the love of her life, Charles C. Finnemore on February 25, 1944.
Helen was a stay-at-home mom raising her three children while Charlie owned and operated Finnemore’s Body Shop in Presque Isle.
She was a faithful member of the Mapleton United Methodist Church for 86 years, where she served on several committees of the church. She also taught Sunday School and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She, along with her husband, was the leader of the Methodist Youth Fellowship for many years before their children were old enough to attend and until their last child was through the program.
Mom was a talented writer in the eyes of her family and friends and was called upon often to write poems or stories for special occasions. Her last poem was written at the age of 88 years, just a few months ago. When challenged to raise funds for her church using her talents, a booklet was composed of several of her writings. This gave her great pleasure to give back to her church. “Nan” as she was affectionately called, will be remembered for her great love for her family and her wonderful sense of humor.
She was a past member of the Mapleton Extension, a 4-H leader with Charlie and a member of the Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill Senior Citizens, where she served as secretary for several years, receiving two plaques for her dedication. She enjoyed the luncheons with the Seniors and looked forward to each Monday. She also enjoyed reading her Bible and Christian novels, doing crossword puzzles, listening to Gaither music and watching NASCAR races on TV. In most recent months, Mom enjoyed being read to by several members of the family including her eight-year-old great-granddaughter, Maddie.
She is survived by her three children: son and daughter-in-law, Michael M. and Darlene Finnemore of Mapleton; daughter, Norma C. Johnson of Presque Isle, and daughter and son-in-law, Deborah C. and Larry R. Sawyer of Castle Hill; grandchildren: Lance & wife, Bonnie Johnson, Scott & wife, Casey Johnson, Jennifer (Sawyer) & husband, Aaron Buzza, Julie (Sawyer) & husband, Zack Powers, Michael Finnemore, Derek Finnemore and his girlfriend, Ashley Oldenberg; great-grandchildren: Celeste & Logan Johnson, Maddie Kay Buzza, and Sherralyn & Kendall Robbins. She is also survived by a sister, Avis Spear of Milo; a sister-in-law, Geneva Archer of Presque Isle; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her dear husband of 52 years in 1996, Charles C. Finnemore; and siblings: Harold Archer, Leon Archer, Earl (Bob) Archer, Verna Norsworthy, Hilma Boyles, Irene Cray, Louise McPherson, and infant brothers, Bernard, Howard and Byron.
She will be remembered fondly by very special friends, Marie, Alma, Dorothy, Charlotte and Grenda.
Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 9, 2011, at the Mapleton Methodist Church with Pastor Dot Matson officiating. Friends called from noon until time of service. Interment followed at the family lot at Southside Cemetery in West Chapman. Pall bearers were grandsons, Lance Johnson, Scott Johnson, Michael Finnemore and Derek Finnemore, Nan’s first-born great-granddaughter, Celeste Johnson, and Aaron Buzza, as well as Zack Powers.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mary B. Coffin, FNP who gave Mom her extra special care.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mom’s memory to the Mapleton Methodist Church, in care of Claudine MacBurnie, 171 MacBurnie Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
