Helen M. Gambee, longtime loc
al vocal music educator, theater director and unusual character, died in Hospice care Friday morning. She was 90.
Born April 16, 1925, in Hartford, Conn., she graduated from Braintree High School in 1943. After earning her collegiate degree, she taught music at Waterford High School and then married John O. Gambee and moved to the family residence in Bradley.
Mrs. Gambee was very well known as a vocal music teacher at Wayland High School and she was director of numerous plays and musicals during the 1960s. She also taught school in New England during the 1970s and 1980s, finally returning to her Bradley home in the late 1980s.
Henika District Library Circulation Director Carol DeBoer said, “Helen was also a long time board member of the Henika District Library. She also participated in the book discussion group. She was a wonderful lady and will surely be missed.”
Helen also taught at Martin schools, was a member of the Wayland Community Choir, Ladies Library Club, Garden Club, General Federation of Women Club, and the United Church of Wayland.
She was an unusual character in that she went bungee jumping after her 69th birthday and rode in a hot air balloon for her 80th birthday. She also took part in numerous adventures abroad after she retiring from teaching.
Mrs. Gambee often noted that most people become more conservative as they age, but she was just the opposite, championing progressive causes.
Helen is survived by her sons: Erv (Tammy) Gambee and Nathan “Nate” Gambee; her grandchildren: Lisa Graham, Joshua (Beth) Gambee, Naomi Gambee, Justin Gambee, Jon Gambee, Nathaniel “Evangeline” Gruis, and Cody Gambee; her great-granddaughter Naliyah Gambee; her step-children: Lynn McLochlin, Jon M. Gambee, David Gambee, and Paul Gambee and several step-grandchildren; her brother John “Jack” Davis; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Ozias Gambee, and her brother Ervin Davis in World War II.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the United Church of Wayland. Donations in memory of Helen may be made to the Henika District Library. Please share memories with her family at www.kubiakcook.com
Helen was also a long time board member of the Henika District Library. She also participated in the book discussion group. She was a wonderful lady and will surely be missed.
I remember Helen walking down the road. I often wondered how many miles she must have walked. Maybe others can add stories about places that she walked.