Helen Mary Hillman

Jaffrey, New Hampshire Helen M. Hillman, 88, of the Partridge Patch in Jaffrey, died Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough following a brief illness. She was born January 3, 1923 in Flint Michigan, daughter of the late Fred and Hattie (Rice) Hillman. Helen had been a physical therapist and college professor for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Her extended family has fond memories of her always making sure they had the right fitting shoes as children, due to her observations as a physical therapist. Earlier in her life, Helen had played the organ for her church, figure skated, and had even tried roller blading. She always enjoyed watching golf, tennis, skating, and football. After retiring and moving to Jaffrey, Helen continued to enjoy playing piano and listening to classical music. One of her great pleasures in life was the ‘breakfast club’, where she would meet with her friends daily for breakfast and lively conversations. Since moving to Jaffrey, Helen had been a very active supporter of Jaffrey’s Boy Scout Troop 33. She served on the Troop Committee and as the Canoeing Merit Badge Councilor. She enjoyed giving her time and sharing her knowledge of the outdoors while instructing the boys in canoeing and on many camping trips with the troop. She also gave her support by volunteering and working at the troop’s annual spaghetti suppers. Helen was known for her support of many of the Jaffrey community’s activities. Helen was a gifted artist as well; she painted numerous pictures of her beloved huskies and animal companions for her friends, and created many lovely pieces of stained glass. Helen is survived by her niece Susan Artley of Rockledge, Florida and by her nephew Fred Hillman of Merritt Island, Florida. Helen is also survived by the extended family of her lifelong companion, Jo Barnes, who preceded Helen in death, including Jo’s sister, Mary Barnes of Pittsford, VT, and many of her nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s name to the Jaffrey Public Library, C/O Trustees of the Jaffrey Public Library, 38 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452.

At Helen’s request, there were no calling hours.

A graveside service will be held Monday, October 3, 2011, at 12:00 Noon, at the Phillips Cemetery on Fitzwilliam Road in Jaffrey Center.