Obituary of Helen J. Ekstrom

Helen June Ekstrom

Of Billerica, passed away at the age of 89. Daughter of Helen C. and John H. Coles and the former wife of Joel L. Ekstrom. She leaves her children Cathy and her husband Steve of Billerica; Joel and his wife Betty of West Springfield; and Sue of Port Deposit, MD; 5 grandchildren – Hilary and her husband Justin, Jack, Jennifer, Brian and his wife Katie, and Emily; 5 great-grandchildren, Liliana, Mason, Jacob, Ella, and Claire and baby Enzo due in a few weeks.  She graduated from Eastern High School in 1950. She was a member of Jobs Daughters and Eastern Starr; played the piano and the organ at church; and belonged to the Alameda Light Opera company where she performed in countless plays along with her dear friend Dollie. In 1963 she moved to Lexington, MA where she was active in town politics and church. She worked at Arkwright-Boston Industrial Insurance Company for 20 years before retiring. She enjoyed traveling, house and pet sitting, and working at the DeCordova Museum where she took classes in enameling. She loved plants and won many ribbons growing begonias. She also loved to cook and entertain. Even as her sight declined, she still played Scrabble and Mah Jong with her friends. She was fierce, stubborn, and refused to give into her health issues.  She will be missed by those who loved her. A service, followed by burial in the memorial garden, will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord on Thursday, December 16 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New England Hospice, 190 Old Derby Street, Suite 304, Hingham, MA 02043.