FARMINGTON — Helen May Hedge Colburn, 86, formerly of Wilton, died, Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at the Pierce House, surrounded by her loving family.
Helen was born on March 15, 1929, a daughter of Henry and Margaret (Croft) Hedge.
She grew up in Worcester, Mass., graduating from Commerce High School. Helen then went on to receive her certification as a Registered Nurse from the Worcester Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing. She was married to her high school sweetheart, David Wesley Colburn on July 28, 1951, and together they raised their three children, Glenn, Susan, and John.
Helen took pride in her career as a nurse and worked 35 years specializing (at different times) in the OR, and obstetrics, and also as a clinical nurse supervisor. She retired in 1985 from Wing Memorial Hospital in Palmer, MA.
Helen, “the hellion” as she often referred to herself, was a multi-faceted, spunky woman who truly enjoyed everything life has to offer. She loved gardening and which was reflected by the bountiful flower gardens in bloom at her home in Wilton. She was also an artist, illustrating countless oil paintings for her family. Other talents included braiding rugs and poetry. Helen was an active member of the Wilton Congregational Church, and sang in the choir for many years. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and will be missed greatly.
She is survived by her children, Glenn Colburn and his wife Cindy of Monson, MA, Susan Pickrell and her husband James of Farmington, and John Colburn and his wife Alison of Westfield, MA; grandchildren, Lyndsey Fleming, Caroline Hill, Lauren Colburn, Zachary Pickrell, Nathan Pickrell, Heather Mead, Molly St.Peter, and Neal Colburn; 6 great grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara Mantula of N.Canton, OH.
She was predeceased by her husband, David in 2010, and a sister, Virginia Kilenen. Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting www.wilesrc.com.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, July 31, 2015 from 5-7pm at Wiles Remembrance Center, 136 High St., Wilton, ME 04294. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Wilton, 386 Main St., Wilton, ME 04294 with Rev. David Smith officiating.
Remembrance gifts in memory of Helen can be donated to the First Congregational Church of Wilton, Re: Organ Restoration Fund, PO Box 566, Wilton, ME 04294.
So sorry for your loss.
Helen will be missed by MANY of us. She added pleasure to the lives of those whom knew her, always enjoying a laugh or two, and liked her coffee times with the “girls” at Law Mountain.
RIP my dear Helen.
Helen was a sweet, kind and fun loving lady. May she rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss. Helen was a remarkable person. We have been out of town and did not know when the services were. Sorry to have missed them.