Helen E. Hollingworth, 99

Helen E. Hollingworth, 99, died at home in Bangor, Maine, on Aug. 23, 2024, with her niece Sandi by her side. 

Helen was born on Jan. 27, 1925, to Leland and Ethel (Southard) Hollingworth. She outlived her younger sisters, Natalie and Nancy; her brother-in-law, Tom McRae; and many dear friends. 

Helen was a passionate and inspiring educator. She taught third grade in the Natick, Massachusetts, public school system for 45 years. A lifelong animal lover, she brought small animals into her classroom to engage her students and enrich the curriculum. She also treasured and pampered the many cats and dogs she kept as pets throughout her long life. She named her final cat Faith, and Faith plus her strong religious faith provided great comfort during the difficult weeks preceding her death. 

Helen resided each summer at the family homestead in Bristol. The 1850s-era farmhouse in Bristol, filled with fond memories of her maternal grandparents and great-grandmother, was the place she felt most at home. Her favorite pastimes included gardening, fishing, berrying, creative art projects, board games, and playing the organ. Above all, Helen was devoted to her family, as a granddaughter, daughter, sister, aunt, and great-aunt. She was a steadfast, caring, and loving presence in the lives of her niece and nephews, their spouses, and their children. 

Following the death of her beloved sister Nancy, Helen relocated to Country Villa in Bangor. She built warm friendships with all of the staff, fellow residents, and her daily caregivers, and especially enjoyed the weekly games, holiday parties, and art activities. Sandi visited often, and occasionally took her out for meals and scenic drives. Her last long car trip “back home” to Bristol was a 10-day visit in July 2024.

Helen is survived by her niece and three nephews, along with their spouses: Sandi McRae Duchesne and Bob of Hudson, Maine, Rick McRae and Reinhild Steingröver of Rochester, New York, Jim McRae and Sue O’Reilly-McRae of Warwick, Massachusetts, and Dave and Sharon (Klupt) McRae of Columbia, Maryland. She also leaves behind grandnieces Hannah, Sophia, Marcie and Tess, and grandnephews Liam, Dana and Evan. Helen will be fondly remembered and honored by her church family, especially by Marilyn Donnelly, Pat Price, and Pastor Alecia Reeves Freeman, all of whom remained in loving contact with her.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, at Fisk Memorial United Methodist Church, 106 Walnut St., Natick, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate in Helen’s memory to Fisk UMC, Bristol NH Historical Society, or VOA Northern New England.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland, MA. For condolences visit johncbryantfuneralhome.com.