Helen C. Fitzgerald

Helen C. Fitzgerald, 70, of 14 Hampshire Avenue died March 22, 2002 at her home after a courageous year long struggle with brain cancer. Born in Lewiston Maine on September 26, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Everett H. and Fannie L. ( Hersey) Bradford. She was raised in Hebron, Maine, attending high schools in South Paris and Turner, graduating from Leavitt Institute in Turner in 1949. She studied nursing in Boston, becoming an LPN in 1952. She married Gerald Fitzgerald in 1953 and lived in Oklahoma and Panama where he was stationed in the service. They raised 5 children, primarily in West Peru, Maine and Plymouth, NH. From 1983 until 1991 they lived in Wakefield, Michigan in the western upper peninsula. They enjoyed canoe-camping in the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota whenever possible. After retirement they settled in Rochester, NH. Besides family get togethers and attending activities of her grandchildren, she enjoyed birding and nature study, gardening , canoeing and hiking, crafts and travel. Her friendly and outgoing nature brought many friends. She was active in the Audubon Society and supported many conservation organizations. Besides her husband, family members include two sons, Aaron Fitzgerald of Pembroke and Thomas Fitzgerald of Berwick, Maine; three daughters, Cynthia Roche of Old Lyme, CT, Susan Fitzgerald Reichert of Vallejo, CA and Fay Fitzgerald of Kittery, Maine; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Also surviving are six brothers and a sister, Wesley Bradford of Agawam, MA, Albert Bradford of Turner, ME, Elon Bradford of Havelock, NC, Lester Bradford of Mount Vernon, WA, Robert Bradford of Wiscasset, ME, Philip Bradford of Cheshire, CT and Carolyn Williams of Topsham, ME. Also many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Laurestine Drury. There will be no visiting hours. A gathering of friends and family will be held Thursday, March 28th from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at the Church of the Redeemer (Episcopal) , 57 Wakefield Street in Rochester. A Memorail Service is scheduled for 2:00 PM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations in her memory be made to either the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brain Tumor Research Fund , c/o Dr. Patrick Wen, 44 Binney Street Boston, MA 02210, the Rochester/ Rural District Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice, 178 Farmington Avenue Rochester, NH 03867, or to the conservation agency of your choice.