Frances Helsmoortel
Frances Grace Helsmoortel of Watertown, MA, formerly of Allston passed from this life surrounded by her family and was welcomed into her new eternal home on December 20, 2016 at the age of 79.
She was the daughter of the late Kenneth Edison and Audrey Florence (Russell) Doyle. Frances had a zeal for life, loved people with fervor and served God with humility. Her kindness and gentleness were known to all, in keeping with her devotion to Jesus Christ and God’s written word. She took the Great Commission seriously and brought many people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Frances was born in New Jersey, grew up in Allston, married the boy next door, Martin L. Helsmoortel, and moved to Watertown. She loved her family passionately, modeled virtuous behavior, was a great cook and life-long learner.
Mother of six children, she became a nurse, founded a nursing agency, became a travel agent, a real estate broker, and an elementary educator. Her artistic talent was extraordinary, she drew and painted in a variety of mediums and loved photography. She was a member of several choral groups and sang in many languages.
She went to Bible College and became an ordained minister in 1991. After retiring as a minister, she provided room, board and educational assistance to international students learning English, until the age of 75.
She had a gift for bringing out the best in people, listened well, affirmed and encouraged those individuals that were in her path. The genuineness of her embrace was alluring.
Her one lament, when she became seriously ill, was that she could not be of more help to people because of her condition.
Frances was the devoted and treasured mother of Cathleen M. Hickey & her husband David of Rhode Island, Ruth A. Wisialko & her husband Albert F. of Westwood, Martin L. & his wife Virginia of Watertown, Robert E. & his wife Taryn S. of Watertown, Michael J.K. & his wife Marta of Allston, and the late Catherine Mary Helsmoortel.
Dear sister of James R. Doyle of GA, Kenneth E. Doyle of ME, and the late Jeanne A. Mercer & Janet L. Rountree. Loving grandmother of David & Ethan Hickey, Albert, Joseph, & Nicholas Wisialko, Kristen DiVecchia-Helsmoortel, & Michelle J. Helsmoortel.
The family wishes to thank Brigham and Women's Hospital for excellence in healthcare and for their receptivity to family concerns, particularly Dr. Nakashima, Dr. Wang and Dr. Horowitz and the exceptional nursing staff of the 15th floor D wing. Thanks also to the Sherrill House nursing and support staff for their compassionate care.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 4 -7 p.m. and briefly on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 at 9 a.m. at the MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Home at 270 Main St. Watertown, MA. The funeral Service will be held at the Mount Hope Christian Center, 51 Lexington St., Belmont at 10 AM. Interment at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown. Relatives and friends kindly invited.