Ned was born on December 20, 1920 in Watertown, Massachusetts, the 11th of 12 children to his parents Edgar J. Helms and Grace Loretta Preston Helms. He was predeceased by all of his brothers and sisters.
Following his ordination as a minister in the United Methodist Church, he served churches in Newton Lower Falls, Wellesley, Milford, Springfield, and Westfield, Massachusetts. His interest in people with special needs and his family history with Goodwill Industries (Ned’s father founded Goodwill in 1902) led him to spend the last years of his career serving as a field chaplain and counselor to the Department of Developmental Services in Massachusetts operating from the Belchertown State School. In that position he served staff, patients and families in meeting their spiritual needs.
Ned is survived by his son Ned Jr. of Concord, New Hampshire, and his wife Sally, his daughter Shirley Jean of Woolwich and her husband Ronald Titcomb, his grandchildren Gregory Helms Titcomb and his wife Michelle Weissman of South Burlington, Vermont, Margaret Helms Cimini of Somerville, Mass., and her husband Peter, Kelly Helms Titcomb of Woolwich, Maine, his great-grandson Edgar Robert Cimini of Somerville, Mass., and many nephews, nieces and dear friends. Each of them filled Ned’s life with great joy.
The family wishes to thank Karen Titcomb, Ron’s sister, and the wonderful staff of the many programs and services of Miles Memorial Hospital. Each one has been so kind and generous in their loving care of both Ned and Shirley during their life and their peaceful and restful departure from that life.
A memorial service is being planned for Sunday, the 11th of August at the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset at 2 p.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Miles Home Health and Hospice in Damariscotta, or Goodwill Industries of Northern New England in Portland, Maine in Edgar James Helms’ name.
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