Helen B. Waite

Helen (Burnham) Waite, daughter of the late Jesse and Bertha (Bennett) Burnham, passed away at home surrounded by her loving children on Sunday, March 9, 2003. Born November 11, 1926, Helen was a life-long resident of Hampton. Along with her late husband Bert and other concerned residents of Hampton, Helen initiated the first ambulance service in Hampton which was originally a Bond bread truck sponsored by the American Legion. For years there was a red phone in the Waite residence that alerted responders to a need for medical assistance. Helen and a few others were among the first to become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) in Hampton. Helen also served past President of what was to become the Hampton-Chaplin Ambulance Corp, Inc. In the early 1970's, Helen became Commander of the Willimantic branch of the Air Force's Civil Air Patrol stationed at Windham Airport. Helen was the epitome of what a loving Mother should be. Anyone who was close to her knew to call her "Ma" in lieu of "Helen". Helen is survived by four children and their spouses: Nina E. Burelle of Willimantic, Nancy and Randy Musial and Neal and Duska Waite of Chaplin, and Noel and Carrol Waite of Hampton; four grandchildren, Heather Lussier of Tucson, AZ, Jessica and Ben Waite of Chaplin, Brad Waite of Hampton; and a great granddaughter, Emily DeCarli of Chaplin. Helen also had an extensive extended family. Calling hours will be Tuesday, March 11, 2003 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Rte.195) Willimantic. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, Helen asked that memorial donations be made to the Hampton Fire Company, Inc., PO Box 21, Hampton, CT 06247.