Helen M. Robertson, 88

MEREDITH — Helen Mae Robertson of 76 Waukewan Street died May 30, 2010, at Nashoba Valley Medical Center, Ayer, MA. Her daughter Terry was by her side at the time of her passing.

Born on May 6, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of Conrad and Bella (Oveson) Mathiasen. She grew up in New York and New Jersey and attended schools in both states. Demonstrating her compassion and deep love for people, she enlisted and served in the U.S. Army for approximately three years during World War II in its nursing department.

In 1946, she married her husband James M., who predeceased her in June 2004, and they raised their five children in Garden City, NY, while summering on the lake on Meredith Neck. She and her family moved to Meredith on a full time basis in the early 1970’s, purchasing and running what was then the Wakitatina Restaurant in Meredith. Helen is also predeceased by her two sons Jeffrey and James who had both enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy and Marines, respectively, during the Vietnam War.

Helen was always drawn to helping others and to sharing the fruits of her wonderful sense of humor. Those who knew her will remember her energy, broad smile, and contagious laugh. She worked at both the Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia and Golden View Health Care Center in Meredith for a number of years. She also later volunteered at Golden View and brought much joy to those with whom she crossed paths.

She is survived by her three daughters, Wendy Chase and her husband Wayne of Meredith, Ellen Ruel of Orlando, FL, and Terry Robertson and her husband John Trimper of Groton, MA; fourteen grandchildren, Heather George of Laconia, Jennifer Dorsett of Austin, TX, Wayne Chase Jr., of Kittery, ME, Heidi Chase of Haverhill, MA, Miranda Ruel of Meredith, Jeffrey Ruel of York, ME, and Kelly, Jamie, Grady, Riley, Aubrey, Jessie, Casey, and Murphy Trimper, all of Groton, MA; ten great grandchildren, Emily, Katie, Molly, and Sophie George of Laconia, Alex and Logan George of Meredith, Sydney and Samantha Ruel of York, Maine, Alastair Dorsett of Austin, Texas and Riley Chase of Kittery, ME. She is also survived by her cousin and best friend Ruth Remoy of Walnut Creek, CA.

Calling hours will be held in the Mayhew Funeral Home, Routes #3 and #104, Meredith, on Sunday, 1pm to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to the NH Humane Society, 1305 Meredith Center Road, P.O. Box 572, Laconia, NH 03246.