Helen A. Harrison

Helen A. Harrison, 85, of Springvale, lately of Kennebunk, died Sunday morning, February 21, 2010 after a long illness.She was born in Washington, DC, the last of seven children born to William and Helen (Cunningham) Brooks of Rothesay, Scotland. She was raised primarily by her oldest sister Caroline Brooks Davidson and her husband Tom in Aliquippa, PA.During World War II, she joined the US Navy and while stationed in Norfolk, VA, she met and married Ralph E. Harrison on September 15, 1945. After their discharges from the navy, they settled in Sanford and enjoyed 64 years of marriage together.Helen was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Order of Eastern Star, Ruth Chapter, and was a founder of the York County Shrine Club Ladies' Helping Hands, which provides financial assistance to the parents of children in Shrine hospitals. She was very active in the Shrine Renegades and she loved attending parades and various Shrine events with her husband.Survivors include her beloved husband Ralph of Springvale, daughter, Anne B. Harrison of Springvale, son Arthur Harrison and his wife Susan Eszterhaus of Lebanon, NH, son Bill Harrison and his wife Lela of Springvale, grandsons and great grandchildren Peter Harrison, his wife Lisa and their son Andrew of Sanford, Thomas Shorthill of Orlando, FL, Christopher Shorthill, his wife Eryn and their children Conor and Zoey of Myrtle Beach, SC, Todd Harrison and his fiancee Sarah Metz of Fairlee, VT, niece, who was more like a sister, Helen Davidson Currie of Palm Coast, FL, nephews Thomas Davidson and Alexander Davidson, both of Monaca, PA, several nieces and grand nieces and nephews.A private burial will take place in the spring.The family would like to thank the staff at Beacon Hospice, especially Tina and Dee for their excellent care and concern for Helen and her family.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Helping Hands, c/o M. Wentworth, 404 Littlefield Road, Wells, ME 04090. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.