S Helen (Hunt) Calkins

RUTLAND – Helen (Hunt) Calkins, 85, of Emerald Road, died suddenly from a cerebral hemorrhage on Friday, November 9, 2007. This day also being her wedding anniversary, she leaves her husband of 61 years, Nelson M. Calkins, Jr.

Helen also leaves her children, Bruce E. Calkins of San Diego, Mary M. Calkins of Seattle, Elizabeth A. Hussey of Rutland, and a daughter-in-law, Norah E. Ferrie of Rutland; and four beautiful granddaughters, Abbie M. Ferrie-Calkins, Jessie B.F. Calkins and Sandra R. and Jennifer G. Hussey. A son, Richard H. Calkins, predeceased her. She was born in Newport, VT, daughter of Franz and Edith (Campbell) Hunt and lived in Rutland since 1946. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from Syracuse University. She later attained a Master’s degree in Library Science from Worcester State College. During World War II, she served in the U.S. Navy WAVES from 1944 through 1946 as a photo specialist 2nd class. She was stationed in Washington, D.C.

Helen was a substitute teacher at Wachusett Regional High School and also taught in Warren. She worked for many years as a librarian at the Lancaster Town Library. She was an active member of the Rutland Congregational Church having taught in its Sunday school program and served on the mission’s committee. She volunteered for many years as a 4-H leader, for Heifer International in Rutland and served as Rutland Library Trustee for 24 years.

Helen will be greatly missed not only by her family but by the community of Rutland. Those who knew her best will remember her as an avid gardener who worked in her garden up to the day prior to her death. She also loved reading, writing and was a skilled cook and seamstress. Though her manner was always quiet and gentle, her contribution to her family and community was immense.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral service for Helen will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13th, in the First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Rutland. Burial will be private in Rural Cemetery, Rutland. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the First Congregational Church of Rutland, P.O. Box 484, Rutland; or Heifer International, 216 Wachusett Street, Rutland; or the Friends of the Rutland Library, 244 Main Street, Rutland, MA 01543.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com