CAMDEN — Helen Mitchell Popp, 87, died peacefully on July 21, 2016, at her Quarry Hill residence in Camden.  Born in Marlborough, Mass., at 4 years she moved to Easthampton. In 1946, she graduated from Easthampton High School and that fall, began studies at University of Massachusetts, graduating in 1950, having earned a Bachelor of Art in English.

On Oct. 21, 1950, she married Frederick William Popp in Easthampton. Helen once remarked with humor, "when I met Fred at the University of Massachusetts, there were more than 1,000 men students and only 110 females.” The newlyweds made their first home in Watertown, before moving to North Reading.

Helen taught kindergarten and first-grade in North Reading, during which time she began studies and in 1960 received a master’s degree from Harvard University. She then began full time doctorate studies at Harvard, ultimately earning her Doctorate of Education in 1964. She worked as a research associate at Harvard, until receiving appointment as assistant, then as associate professor of education. She directed the program for master’s in reading and had many doctorate students.

Retired from the Harvard faculty in 1983, and having spent weekends and partial summers at North Haven with her husband, Helen moved permanently to North Haven in 1985. Their home, built by Uncle Chester Dyer and lived in by him and by Ida Wooster Dyer, served them well. Helen finished several revisions of the Chall-Popp phonic books and other related books, as well as the Leap Activities books.

Several church boards, the North Haven Historical Society, Garden Club, Grange and various society boards benefited from her particular strengths and she from theirs. Art, gardening and sewing were her hobbies and many folks enjoyed her Christmas cards.

Predeceased by her husband, Frederick W. Popp in 2013; and a brother, Robert B. Mitchell; Helen has several relatives including her brother, George E. Mitchell and his wife, Constance Ott; her sister-in-law, Nancy S. Mitchell, Robert’s widow; George's children, Kirsten A., John, Paul and Paul's wife, Betty, and their children, Jason, Peter and Brian; Robert's three sons and Jason's children.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date at North Haven Baptist Church. Dr. Robert Bach will officiate. Interment will be in Sea View Cemetery in North Haven.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.