Obituary of Helen Elizabeth Smith

HELEN ELIZABETH SMALL SMITH passed away on January 20, 2012 at her home after a brief illness. She was born on Islesboro to Helen C. Benson Small and James A. Small. Helen attended Islesboro schools where she was on the basketball team. She had to leave school to stay home and take care of her younger siblings when her mother became ill. She married James A. Smith on February 6, 1943 after which she followed him to Georgia when he joined the service. After his discharge, they settled on Iona Poultry Farm in Lincolnville. There they raised three children and a grandchild whom they raised as their own. In her lifetime she worked at many jobs including taking in laundry, working in a hot dog factory, woolen mills and egg processing plants. Most recently she knit lobster pot heads for Friendship Trap Co. for 30 years. She loved spending time with her family, playing bingo, watching the Red Sox, going to camp and to auctions with Donna. She leaves her three children, Katherine Chase of Warren, Leon Smith and wife Juanita of Rockport, Donna Rich and husband Dave of Hope; her “daughter/granddaughter”, Wanda Owen and husband Wayne of Montville; six other grandchildren, Dawn and husband Kevin Chapin, Corinna Hersey, all of Hope, Philip Chase and wife Genie, Rusty Wadsworth husband Scott, all of Warren, Laura Greeley and husband Kevin of Montville, Leon Smith Jr. and wife Amy of Lincolnville; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband, parents and ten siblings. Those who wish may make donations to Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County, PO Box 772, Belfast, ME 04915. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered at www.ripostafh.com.