Helen Louise Sylvester

PORTLAND - Helen Louise Sylvester, 92, formerly of South Portland, died peacefully September 29, 2011 at St. Joseph's Manor with her loving family by her side. She was born May 12, 1919 in Ft. Fairfield, Maine, a daughter of Freeman J. and Myrtle B. (Hewitt) Fisher. Helen was educated in local schools and was a graduate of Ft. Fairfield High School. She graduated from Queen's Hospital School of Nursing in 1941 receiving her R.N. and took her graduate courses in Concord, NH and Providence, RI. Helen married Francis P. Connolly on January 10, 1942 and began raising her family. Francis predeceased her April 27, 1970. She married James A. Sylvester on May 11, 1972 and he predeceased her December 25, 2004. She began her nursing career at Mercy Hospital then worked at the private practices of Dr. E. E. O'Donnell and Dr. G. H. Derry in Portland. Following her retirement she provided in home care for her husband James during his prolonged illness. Helen traveled throughout the United States, enjoying the National Park System, especially Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Alaska parks. She enjoyed gardening, photography and spending time with her family. Helen was a woman of strong faith and character. Family and church were very important to her and she cherished holidays with her family. Helen was a former member of Ft. Fairfield High School Alumni and Mercy Hospital Alumni. Surviving are: three sons, Joseph F. Connolly and his wife Mary Jane of Scarborough, Richard F. Connolly and his wife Concetta of Hopkinton, NH, James M. Connolly and his wife Spring of Scarborough; five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, Sunday, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited 8:15 a.m., Monday, at the chapel, followed by a 9:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, corner of Broadway and Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, 51 U.S Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074 or the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074. Online Condolences for Helen Sylvester