Obituary of Helen Hawkins

Helen Hawkins, age 96, of Woodstock Valley, died unexpectedly Sunday at her home. She was the beloved wife of William T. Hawkins for 50 years, he died in 1991. She was born November 2, 1909 in New York City, daughter of the late Charles and Ina (Lehtinen) Nyburn. Helen was a graduate of Evander Childs High School in NY in 1927 and New York Preparatory School. She spent her entire business career in New York City at Macfadden Publications, Publishers of 14 magazines. She acted as secretary to editors of various magazines before she became secretary to Fulton Oursler, Editor of Liberty, a weekly magazine, and Editor-in-Chief of all Macfadden Magazines, an author and playwright. Mrs. Hawkins was deeply interested in her work there, especially because she came into contact with celebrities of that time. She traveled extensively here and abroad, visiting every European Country. She formed lasting friendships and enjoyed keeping in touch with friends and relatives throughout her life. In 1941 she met and married William T. Hawkins of Detroit, which ended her business career in New York City because she and her husband moved to Connecticut where Mrs. Hawkins was employed as secretary to Roy Jenkins, Manager of Cluett Peabody Mill in North Grosvenordale until the mill closed. After that she enjoyed 12 years as secretary to Attorney Archibald Macdonald in Putnam. Finally she was Secretary to Dr. Arthur Bixby, Regional Superintendent of Schools until the state closed that office in Putnam. She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in North Grosvenordale, and a devoted friend of Eastford Baptist Church for over 50 years, where she belonged to the Womens Fellowship, serving on various committees and 6 terms as secretary. She was a 25 year member of the Great Books Discussion Group; a member of the Board of Trustees of West Woodstock Library, serving several terms as president, as well as on various committees. She handled Finnish-English translations, among them a popular novel, articles and documents. She leaves a daughter, Barbara Child of Woodstock Valley, whose love and companionship was a treasure, as well as cousins and dear friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her dear friend and son-in-law, Clarence H. Child and a favorite cousin she grew up with, Irene Bolander. The Funeral Service will be Friday at 2:00 pm at the Eastford Baptist Church, 133 Union Road, Eastford, Calling Hours Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, burial in Eastford Baptist Church Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Eastford Baptist Church, to share a memory with her family Light a Candle at www.smithandwalkerfh.com