Helen Mary Munsey

Helen Mary (Wallace) Munsey, 74, died peacefully on October 31 at Eastern Maine Medical Center surrounded by her family. Helen was born on Friday, January 13, 1939 at the 13th hour at home in Bangor. She was the daughter of George Herbert Wallace and Adelaide Janet (Pettipas) Wallace. Helen grew up in the Bangor area with her parents and sisters, Geraldine Wallace Williams and Patricia Wallace. She graduated from Bangor High School, Class of 1957 and from the University of Maine, Class of 1961 with a B.A. in English and concentration in Art. After graduating from the University of Maine, Helen went to work for Proctor & Gamble of Cincinnati, Ohio as a market researcher. She traveled all over the United States conducting research interviews on behalf of P&G and their wide family of home and personal products. She loved to travel and always had a great story to tell about her adventures. On September 1, 1962 Helen married William John Munsey whom she had met at the University of Maine when they were both members of the Maine Masque Theatre. They were married in Orono, but immediately left for Boston where Bill enrolled at Boston University to complete his Master’s Degree in Higher Education. While there, Helen worked for New England Merchants Bank as an administrative assistant even though she couldn’t type. The time spent in Boston was the source of many stories for Helen, often including her friends Sally Gibson and Susan Law. Helen and Bill eventually settled in Maine, first in Gorham in 1965 and later in Orono, to raise their two children Julia and Stephen. Helen was a great mom, not only to them, but to their many friends who adopted her as their mom. After moving back to Orono, Helen went to work for Dr. Stanley Evans managing the Alcohol Institute, later the Chemical Dependency Unit at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Helen made many close friends while working at EMMC and considered her time there extremely rewarding. Helen’s life long career was her own business, Helen Munsey Home Decorating. She created it by teaching herself upholstery, combined that with her sewing prowess, and successfully decorated the world for many years. Helen was an artist, in the truest sense of the word. Whatever she touched had increased life and a creative flair. From her beautiful sea glass creations, to her amazing cooking and dinner parties, to her paintings, needlework, and work as a home decorator, Helen made the world a better place just by being her. She will live on through her creations, but her warmth, her sense of humor and sparkling blue eyes will be sorely missed. Helen is a past president of Tuesday Forum, served as a board member of the Robinson Ballet and was active over the years with the AAUW. Helen generously gave of her time and talents in support of the arts and many organizations in Maine. Helen is survived by her husband Bill Munsey of Orono, daughter Julia Munsey and partner John Dougherty of Bangor, son Stephen Munsey of Salt Lake City, Utah, sister Pat Wallace of Ellsworth, sister Gerry Williams and husband Bob of Marlboro, nephew Fred Williams of Portland, nephew Russ Williams and wife Diana of Newcastle. Daughter-Friend Beth Peters of Burlington, Vermont. Best friend Susan Boulier (with whom she had many great adventures traveling and otherwise) of Bangor. She also leaves behind many life-long friends and members of the Queen Mum kingdom. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Church of Universal Fellowship, 85 Main St., Orono with the Rev. Lorna Grenfell, pastor, Celebrant. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. Per her request, Helen’s ashes will be scattered by the seashore near her home in Hancock next summer. Those wishing to remember Helen in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the University of Maine Museum of Art 40 Harlow Street Bangor, Maine 04401, the American Folk Festival P.O. Box 1206 Bangor, Maine 04402, or the Lafayette Cancer Care Center C/O EMHS Foundation P.O. Box 931 Bangor, Maine 04402-0931. The family would like to thank the amazing caregivers on the 6th floor of EMMC, as well as the entire team of the Lafayette Cancer Care Center, for their kind, compassionate and thoughtful care of Helen. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com