Obituary of Helen Mae Gum

Helen Mae Gum, 59, died unexpectedly at her home in Belfast on April 17, 2009. She was born on October 14, 1949 in Belfast, the daughter of Clyde and Josephine (Parker) Seekins of Searsport. She lived all her life in Searsport and Belfast, graduating from Searsport High School, class of 1967. Prior to her illness she was employed at Reny’s in Belfast. She enjoyed crocheting, playing bingo, and was also well known for her talent of making beautiful cakes. She also loved collecting showmen. She is survived by her husband, (Richard) Allan Gum of Belfast. The couple celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on April 14. She has four daughters, Laurie Dow and her boyfriend Craig of Swanville; Julie Sticht and her husband Carl of Morrill; Lisa Gage and her boyfriend Craig of Waterville; Jennifer Betzer and her Husband Steven of Waterville; her mother Josephine Seekins of Searsport; twelve grandchildren, Andrew, Kyle, Kelsey, Kameron, Kody, Timothy, Amber, Brianna, Aaron, Jason, Nicholas, and Austin. She also has one great-grandchild due in August. Helen has five brothers and sisters; Melvin Seekins and his wife Cindy of Frankfort; David Seekins and his wife Sue of Winslow; Michael Seekins and his wife Linda of Winterport; Kelly Chipman and her boyfriend Randy of Swanville; a brother in law, Ralph Jewell of Searsport, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her father in 1970; a sister Jane Jewell in 2001; her grandparents George Parker in 1977, and Arlene Parker in 2000; her father in law, James Gum Sr. in 1991, and mother in law, Frances Gum in 1989, both from Tacoma Washington; a special friend and brother in law Bruce Chipman in 2007. Services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Avenue Belfast, Maine 04915 with Pastor John Evans officiating. Interment will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Augusta at a later date.