LEWISTON – Helen “Nicky” Hyde Anderson, 87, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, her favorite day of the year. For the past seven months, Nicky had been a resident of Marshwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Facility in Lewiston.

Nicky was born on April 24, 1917 in West Chester, Pa., the daughter of Thomas P. and May Connelly Hyde. She graduated from Downingtown High School, Class of 1934, where she excelled in scholastics, athletics, music and the arts.

In February of 1942, Nicky married Arthur G. Anderson. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Guthriesville, Pa., where Nicky made a home for her family and spent most of her adult life.

In her early years, Nicky was employed by the Borough of Downingtown, then became a full time homemaker.

She was an accomplished artist, craftswoman, horticulturist and tireless community servant. Nicky was very active in the Downingtown High School Alumni Association and was instrumental in establishing the DHS homecoming celebration. One of her greatest honors in life was receiving the DHS Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 1973.

Throughout her life, Nicky was an active member of the Women’s Club of Downingtown and Garden Club, the Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Downingtown Historical Society and the Hopewell United Methodist Church, where for many years she used her artistic skills to decorate the church sanctuary for Christmas and assisted the backstage crew in the production of the church’s original Passion play. As her children grew, she volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and in their schools.

People who knew Nicky will remember her for her generous spirit. She had abiding affection for Chester County, its history, schools and people. Nicky was fiercely independent and loved her family dearly. An avid newspaper reader, Nicky also enjoyed crossword puzzles, antiques and keeping in touch with friends and family on the telephone. Although she spent her five last years in Maine with her daughter and family, in Nicky’s heart were wonderful thoughts of Chester County, the place she called home.

Nicky is survived by her daughter, Deborah A. Beam and son-in-law, Stephen, and her beloved grandson, Jeffrey A. Beam, all of Greene; her sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Danny Massimini of Downingtown, Pa.; and a nephew, Tom Schultz of California.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Art; her son, Chipper; and sister, Edith.

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