Helen Margaret West

Helen Margaret West, 92, of Shapleigh, died July 27, 2009 at the Newton Center in Sanford where she received exemplary care.She was born in New Rochelle, NY on December 26, 1916, the daughter of Dr. James E. and Marion (Speaks) West. Dr. West was the first Chief Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. She was the last survivor of their five children.She was brought up in New Rochelle, NY, attended New Rochelle High School and studied psychology at Vassar College. After being certified from the New York School of Interior Design in 1971, she spent 11 years as an interior decorator at Lord and Taylor. She traveled to many different countries and saw many parts of the world.She was a volunteer at Rochester Manor for many years and was a recipient of the "Volunteer of the Year" award from the state of New Hampshire in 1986.She resided at times in New York, North Carolina and then in Maine. These last ten years she lived near her son Donald, his wife Diane and their family, and for the past three years has resided at Springhill Farm at Shapleigh Corner where she was privileged to live her life with grace, dignity and respect, and where she received wonderful caring, kindness and love.Survivors include three children: Adrian Van Sinderen, III, Joan Van Sinderen Mudrick and Donald Van Sinderen, nine grandchildren, Tanya and Nathan Mudrick, Katina, Darcy and Eric Van Sinderen, Jackie Hall, Jack, Jason and Jamie Cole, and twelve great grandchildren.A memorial celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 4:00 PM at the Shapleigh First Baptist Church, where she had been a very active member. Refreshments will be served following the service.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc., P. O. Box 908, Bellmawr, NJ 08099 or to the charity of one's choice.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.