Ms. Helen J. Gould

Let us remember with thanksgiving the life of Helen Joslin Gould. Helen was born in Rockville Center, N.Y., to Susan Alice Dunlop and James G. Joslin on December 11, 1915. She died in Pittsfield, MA on April 4, 2015 at 99 years of age.

Helen was high school valedictorian, college salutatorian, a graduate of social work school and a certified social worker. Her work life included case work in Chicago, medical social work in Philadelphia and Charleston, WV, case work with the Nassau County (L.I.) Family Court, executive director of the following: Suffolk County Council of Churches, Visiting Homemakers of Huntington, L. I., and Suffolk Community Council. Helen was a consultant on aging to the NYS legislature, a board member of what is now Hertlin House, President of the Hampton Bays Library trustees and many other areas of service. Helen was a cherished friend and a wise mentor to many.

She married Rev. Dr. Ivan M. Gould in 1938 when he was Director of Youth Work for the International Council of Religious Education in Chicago. During WWII, Dr. Gould was Director of the Serviceman’s Christian League based in Philadelphia, followed by years as executive of the Pennsylvania and West Virginia Council of Churches. Helen was an active member of the Merrick Church during 1953-1963 when Dr. Gould served that church. During her retirement, she was a member of the Southampton UMC. Helen’s later years were lived out at Kimble Farms Retirement Community, Lenox, MA and Berkshire Place Skilled Nursing Facility, Pittsfield, MA.

Helen is survived by her sons James (Jim) and Rev. Dr. Ivan J. (Toby), her daughters-in-law, Martha and Merri, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Condolences can be sent to Merri and Toby Gould, P.O. Box 45, Charlemont, MA 01339. Memorial contributions can be sent to Geneva Point Center, 108 International Road, Moultonborough, NH, 03254. A memorial service will be held at a later date.