Helen Andrews Fehlau died on July 2, 2015. She was born Mariette Helen Andrews on January 16, 1918, the forth daughter of Ethel Rollins Andrews and Harry Andrews. Her three older sisters Ruby, Clara, and Dorothy awaited her birth at home in Auburn. The winter of 1918 was the time of the Spanish Flu, and her father Harry died from the pandemic when Helen was just an infant. Her mother Ethel worked full-time to support the family, however it became too difficult and Helen went to live with her grandparents Frank and Ester Rollins in Sabattus. She often reflected on simple life with her grandparents; walking to school and tending the garden. At age 6, her mother remarried and Helen moved back with her mother and step-father in Auburn on Summer Street; a large home which she often enjoyed viewing on our trips to the family cemetery at Mt. Auburn. She would pause and speak of the double parlor, where at Christmas time the tree was placed in the cool parlor near the front windows.

Helen dedicated her career to teaching. She was a 1936 graduate of Edward Little High School in Auburn, and a 1939 graduate from the University of Maine at Farmington. She went on to receive her master’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono.
She taught in several schools systems in Maine, and her favorite position was teaching 2nd grade. Helen thrived on the curiosity and vitality of those young children aged just 7 or 8. Her elementary school teaching career lasted more than 35 years, and in semi-retirement she continued for a decade as a student teacher supervisor for new teachers around the greater-Portland area. She helped them fine-tune their craft, and put the finishing touches on the skills necessary to succeed as educators.

She was married to Freeman Berry and was blessed by daughters Lois-Jean and Elizabeth. Many of their summers were spent in a lovely cottage on Bailey’s Island. She later married Yngurd Fehlau and welcomed the arrival of their son John.

In her retirement, she was the perfect “snowbird.” Enjoying more than 25 years of winters in her home in Bradenton, Florida and summers in Boothbay Harbor. The last 10 years in an apartment at St. Andrew’s Village.

Helen brought joy and laughter to the world and was always ready to offer the right words for any occasion. Among her many talents were writing, painting, reading and playing bridge. Her love and concern for others always outweighed her concern for herself. Helen brightened the lives of all those around her.

She was a truly special person who brightened the lives of so many in all aspects of her life. Her love of life, her kindness and compassion, her infectious smile, her wit and wisdom, and her generous spirit affected all who knew her. She always gave of herself, as a great friend, an inspiring teacher, a leader in school, and a loving mother. Helen will be missed very much by all who knew her and all will cherish the memories of her.

Helen was a Christian, her heart had been changed by the presence of God. She accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and believed in life everlasting and the great hope - that of heaven. Helen knew that she would get to heaven, because she had been given life and hope, freely from the God who loves us all, through Jesus Christ.

Helen is survived by daughter Lois-Jean Berry and partner Linda Cavanaugh of Boothbay Harbor, daughter Elizabeth Reed and husband Walter Reed also of Boothbay Harbor, and son John and wife Jennifer of Cumberland, ME. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Joel Berry, Kimberli Gipson, Katherine “Kate” Fehlau, and Alexander Edgecomb. Her great-grandchildren are Emily Gipson-Liberty, Cameron Berry, and Zachary Spence.

We as a family find comfort in the many wonderful memories we have of her; and the light and goodness she brought to so many people that will last for generations to come. Helen followed her dreams and lived a very full life. Her loss is felt by a large number of family members and many friends. She captured the hearts of everyone she met.

Services will be held at 11 am on Thursday July 9, at St Columba's Episcopal Church, 32 Emery Ln, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 (207) 633-6313, followed by a reception for family and friends at St. Andrew’s Village located at 145 Emery Lane (just up the hill from St. Columba’s). In lieu of flowers, it was Helen’s request that donations be made to the UMF scholarship fund to assist young teachers following her path.

Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Helen, or to share a story or pictures, visit her Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.