Clarice Helstrom

New Sweden and Brewer - Clarice Anita Helstrom, 87, passed away on February 29, 2016 with her loving family by her side. She was born on May 16, 1928 in New Sweden to Anton and Dora (Larson) Anderson. Clarice attended New Sweden schools. It was there that she first learned to speak English since Swedish was the only language spoken at home. During her working career Clarice spent many years at the Caribou Tastee Freeze before retiring from Hannaford in Caribou. During the many years of her life in New Sweden she was active in the community and a long-time member of the American Legion Post 136 in Stockholm. She loved and was a devoted wife to her husband Marshall, spending 66 years with him before his death in 2014. She additionally loved visiting and spending time with her children and grandchildren. They were all a very important part of her life. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining, and was especially known for her hospitality where friends and neighbors would always stop by for some coffee and sweets. Family members fondly remember the many summer gatherings and cookouts at her home in New Sweden. Some of her hobbies included making quilts for her grandchildren, crocheting, going to yard sales, and bingo. Clarice and her husband enjoyed traveling to Florida for the winter, and camping in the Allagash with friends and family. Clarice was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren and cherished each and every one. She was a loving and caring Nana. Clarice is survived by her 3 daughters, Patsy McMullin and Roger, Elaine Helstrom, and Joyce Maxwell and her husband Gil; grandchildren Robbie McMullin, Stevie McMullin and his wife Mindy, Eric Stroheker, Danny McMullin and his wife Thirza, Gillie Maxwell, Brent Marshall and his wife Bethany, Dora Young and her husband Kris; fourteen great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. Clarice is also survived by her sister Ina Noel; sisters-in-law Francine Anderson and Irma Anderson. She was predeceased by 15 brothers and sisters. The family would like to thank the staff and the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor for their kindness and the care Clarice received.