Helen S. “Skip” Smalley, 85, of Thomaston, passed away at home on Nov. 2. She was born in Sidney, Mont. on Dec. 18, 1923, the daughter of Guy E. and Nora B. Samel. She lived in two more small Montana towns and graduated from Billings High School in 1941.
She was trained and worked for a local dentist and in 1944 enlisted in the U.S. Navy (Waves). While serving with a dental unit in a medical dispensary at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., she met and married Benjamin W. Smalley, Jr. of Thomaston.
After the war they made their home in Thomaston where they raised their family. They also lived in Rockland, Cape Elizabeth and Friendship. Helen, affectionately known as “Skip”, was given that name by her husband, before they were married. She was active in many town affairs, most recently with The Friends of Montpelier as a volunteer and trustee. She was an avid bridge player and also played Mah Jongg and cribbage on a regular basis.
She is predeceased by her husband of 38 years in 1983; daughter, Linda in 1969, daughter, Janelle in 1972; and her oldest son, Jerry in 2000; mother, father and two brothers in Montana; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law in Thomaston.
Surviving are her son, Roland A. and wife Deborah; son, Benjamin W. III and wife Elizabeth; seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Services 2 p.m., Sun., Nov. 8 at Hall & Bibber Funeral Home, 78 Main St., Thomaston. A short interment service will follow at the Village Cemetery, Erin St., Thomaston. There will be no visiting hours.
Should friends desire, donations in Mrs. Smalley’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 170 US Rt. 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105.
Condolences to the family may be made to hallbibber@myfairpoint.net.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall & Bibber Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 78 Main St., Thomaston.
