Obituary of Helen-Knapp Dwyer

HOULTON and BANGOR - Helen Knapp Dwyer, 94, a resident of Houlton for 48 years, passed away peacefully Jan. 24, 2012, at a Bangor hospital after a brief illness. She was born Sept. 8, 1917, in Amity, daughter of Llewellyn Powers and Martha (McLellan) Knapp. Helen graduated from Ricker Classical Institute, Houlton, where she proudly played girls basketball. She raised her family down on the farm in Orient and was a member of Orient Baptist Church. In 1963, she moved to Houlton where through the years she worked at J.C. Penney, Carroll's Cut-Rate, Ward Cabin Co. and S.L. White Drug Co. She lived at Century House, North Street, for 17 years, where she enjoyed the company of many wonderful friends. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Houlton. Helen moved to Phillips-Strickland House, Bangor, in 2011, where she was closer for activities with family. Helen also enjoyed all sports and especially liked watching her favorite Red Sox, golf and tennis on TV. Helen was also an avid reader of hundreds of novels from Cary Library. She loved to travel, and visit family and friends in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Florida and Hawaii. She was very blessed with good health throughout her life. The family will truly miss the wonderful times they have spent with their mom, gramma and great-gram. Helen was predeceased by her parents; husband, Merle Edwin Dwyer; brother, Arthur Knapp; four sisters, Thelma Dwyer, Goldie Farrar, Edith Drinkwater and Hazel Stewart; son-in-law, David McKay; and a great-grandson. She is survived by three daughters, Alma Jean and husband, Peter Hurd, of Houlton, Phyllis McKay of Old Lyme, Conn., and Audrey and husband, Salvatore Perry, of Mount Dora, Fla.; son, Gerald and wife, Donna Dwyer, of Hampden; one sister, Myrtle and husband, Al Cormier, of Bangor; 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends may call 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, where funeral services will begin 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Arthur Myers officiating. A reception will be at First Baptist Church, Court Street. Spring interment will be at Orient Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to Cary Memorial Library, 107 Main St., Houlton, ME 04730; or First Baptist Church, 46 Court St., Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book at www.dunnfuneral.com.