EAST WINTHROP ? Helen Frances Twadelle, 77, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home with her family at her side on Jan. 22, 2002, after a courageous journey with cancer, experiencing the wonderful care of her family, hospice and home health services. Helen was born in Taunton, Mass., June 24, l924, the daughter of Mario and Mary Gracia (Medeiros). She attended schools in Taunton and graduated from Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing, Fall River, Mass. as a registered nurse in l945. She joined the Army in l949 and trained at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. She was assigned to Valley Forge Hospital in Pennsylvania as a first lieutenant. Helen married Dr. Frank J. Twadelle Aug. 28, l950. They lived in Wellesley Hills, Mass. for l6 years and were members of St. Andrew's Church. They moved to Gardiner in l967. In Gardiner, Helen was an active member of Christ Church Episcopal, an involved mother and grandmother. She enjoyed tennis in her spare time. Upon retirement, Frank and Helen moved to Jekyll Island, Ga., but returned to Maine frequently to visit family. On Jekyll Island, Helen served on the vestry of St. Richard's Church, several community boards, volunteered at the Manna House (food kitchen) and continued her joy of playing tennis. Helen also was an avid reader and an accomplished artist of beautiful watercolor paintings. She was predeceased by her husband Frank in July l998; and sisters Thelma and Patricia. She is survived by her husband Robert Bridgwood of Jekyll Island; son Richard and wife Linda of Brookville, Ind., and grandson, Scott Twadelle of Andover, Mass.; son, John and wife, Carlarae of Pittston, and grandsons, Jay, Todd, and Ross; son, Andrew and wife, Janet of Rosemont, Pa. and grandchildren, Kyle and Taylor; daughter, Janet Smith and husband Gordon of East Winthrop and granddaughters, Devon and Erica; and stepdaughter, Ann Whittall and husband, David of San Francisco, and grandsons David and Chris. She is also survived by four great grandchildren. A family memorial service will be held at a later date at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to the Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley, 150 Dresden Ave., Gardiner 04345. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St.,Winthrop.