RICH, Helen

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ March 4, 2011 Helen Patten Rich, 91, died peacefully Feb. 23, 2011, in White River Junction, Vermont. She was born March 13, 1919, in Sutton, Quebec. Helen lived much of her life in St. Albans Bay, Vermont, marrying her husband Harold, raising four daughters as homemakers and then became a bookkeeper by profession. They moved to Florida where they lived for 22 years, then onto Arizona where they resided in Flagstaff and Show Low for many years. Helen loved spending time with all her grandchildren, teaching them how to bake Christmas cookies, a holiday tradition now enjoyed by her great-grandchildren, and she also took great pride and joy in growing and nurturing orchids, crocheting afghans for family and friends and feeding and watching her many hummingbirds. She loved conversing with everyone and made friends easily. She was kindhearted and a very generous person throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Harold; sister Williamette Austin; brother Jimmy Patten. She is survived by her four daughters: Mariene (Patrick) Green of Show Low, Peggy Rich of White River Junction, VT.; Carol (Michael) Gilmond of Tequesta, Fla., and Bonnie (Jack) Krouskroup of Ormond Beach, Fla.;13 greandchildren and several great-grandchildren; nephews and extended family. Services will be private.