THE ISLAND CENTURY MARK

Marshfield woman celebrates a century of life

Marshfield woman celebrates 100 years alongside family and friends.

There’s one memory in particular that stands out for Helen Stetson’s children from her 100 years of life.

In the 1960s, Stetson hopped in a van and drove herself and 12 Girl Guides through the mountains of New Hampshire just days after learning how to drive a car.

“She’d take on anything,” said son Paul Stetson. “She just barely learned how to drive — and it was a standard.”

Kent Stetson, Helen’s youngest son, said this kind of determination has always been part of his mother’s character.

“This is so typical of mom… No hesitation. She had a wonderful time.”

The wonderful times continue for Helen, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 12. The next day, her friends and family threw her a party at the Atlantic Baptist Home where she lives.

“It’s a wonderful thing,” said Stetson about her birthday. “(Life) gets better as you get older.”

Stetson’s early years were spent growing up in Caledonia. After marrying her husband Cecil in 1942, she moved to a farm in Marshfield where she continued to live until three years ago.

The couple has four children: Elizabeth, Gordon, Paul and Kent. She also has six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Paul said his mother has always been a welcoming person and there were often many more mouths to feed than just the family of six.

“Sometimes there’d be 10 kids in the house,” he said.

“She’d find food for everybody and treat everybody the same and welcome the neighbourhood.”

Throughout her adult years Stetson mostly farmed, but also spent time working at a dress shop called Barbra Ann’s. But most of all, Stetson loved to write. She spent a majority of her life as a writer and poet.

She published her first book of poetry called “Hunter’s Moon” in 1985. Her second book, “Linden Acres” was published about 10 years later.

Stetson’s books of poetry are reflections of her life.

“Just what I was going through myself,” she said. “A farmer’s life.”

From her honeymoon skiing in Caledonia with Cecil to when each of her four children were born, family has been part of the greatest memories for the centenarian over the years.

Kent said the family is grateful for Helen’s longevity.

“One-hundred is a huge gift,” he said.

KATHERINE HUNT/THE GUARDIAN Helen Stetson, seated, celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends at the Atlantic Baptist Home on Sunday. Shown with Stetson are, from left, sons and daughter Kent Stetson, Paul Stetson and Elizabeth Rowe.