Obituary for Helen Friot (Reid) Helen Louise (Reid) Friot December 12, 1931 – May 28, 2018 Helen L. (Reid) Friot, 86 years young, passed away, after a brave and graceful battle with ALS, at her home in Wells, Maine, peacefully with family. Born in East Boston, Massachusetts, Helen grew up in Medford, MA, graduating from Girls Catholic High School, continuing her education with classes at Boston University. In 1948 Helen met her future husband of 62 years, Alan H. Friot.
They spent time in Washington, DC, working for the Central Intelligence Agency, before moving back to Massachusetts, settling in Winchester to raise their children. Life took Helen and her family to Harvard (MA), Groton (MA), Kennebunkport (ME) and finally Wells (ME). Helen had many hobbies, opening her 1810 House antique shop.
Later helping to establish the Friends of The Shakers, Sabathday Lake, ME and Boston Shaker Study Group. Throughout her life Helen loved art, traveling the world with her daughter, Suzanne Gagnon, to see art and architecture from China to many European countries. One of the defining characteristics of Helen was her love of photography.
She was always taking photographs, even into her final days, printing and creating photo albums for her family. Helen’s curiosity informed her life in every aspect, learning, researching and connecting with friends, family on Facebook with her favorite toy, the iPad. Helen loved getting involved with local clubs in every place she lived, belonging to the Groton Woman’s Club, Ogunquit Women’s club, Shaker Seminars and in in her later years the Wells/Ogunquit & Kennebunk Senior Centers.
Helen is survived by her husband, Alan H. Friot, and her children: Paul and his wife Pattie of Harvard (MA), Christopher and his wife Janet of Groton (MA), and Suzanne L.F. Gagnon of Portland (ME). Brothers: William J. Reid (deceased) and his widow Nancy J. Reid, Robert J. Reid and his wife Nancy Reid. Sister: Marilyn A. Petone and her husband Michael Petone (deceased).
Helen was very proud of her grandchildren: Christopher A. Friot II and his fiancée Irie of Boston, Jillian A. Friot of Boston, and Cooper J. Gagnon of Kennebunkport. Helen was also a loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Helen will be remembered with great love and joy as a stylish, artistic, generous, loving lady and secret rebel.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, Scarborough, ME or Compassionate Care ALS, Falmouth, MA.
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