Helen Adrienne Strout Sleeper, 82, of Greene, Maine, passed away on October 28, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family after a short battle with cancer. Born to Edwin and Violet Strout on November 21, 1936 in Auburn, Maine, She considered herself a “Daddies girl,” and enjoyed fishing and learning how to swim with her Dad. Helen grew up attending Mechanic Falls schools graduating from Stephen’s High School in Rumford class of 1955 where she was selected as one of the top ten most attractive women in her class.
On June 18,1955 Helen married Richard Elliot Dunn in Auburn, Me. While raising seven children, she worked as a Nurse’s Aid, a cook at Poland Community School, and at the Marcal Paper Mill in Mechanic Falls. In later years she migrated to Florida, cooking at a local restaurant. Eventually, Helen returned to Maine where she met and married Walter “Pete” Sleeper residing in Woolwich Maine. During their 24 years of marriage, they enjoyed making each other laugh, going out to eat, and traveling. She took pleasure in her home, music, puzzle books, and reading . She was a meticulous planner, always thinking ahead and never forgot a special occasion. "Our Hazel" had expressed that she was looking forward to the upcoming holidays and the homecooked food with family.
She will be missed for her contagious laugh, quick-witted sense of humor, love for family and endless unjudgmental conversations over coffee.
There to greet her are; Her Parents, Richard Dunn, Walter “Pete” Sleeper, Son Kerry Jon Dunn, Daughter Marcia Lynn Gagne; Sisters Sandra Dubois, and Brenda Childs; Brothers Don, Everett, and Jim Hutchins; Son-in-Law Lloyd A. Boyd, Jr. “Chip,” Great-Granddaughter Olyvia Hickman and her beloved cat Keeda.
Left to cherish her memory are her children; Debra Boyd, Kristine (Ira) Simmons, Reginald “Scott” Dunn, Joyce (John) Giguiere, Diane (Jeff) Dustin, Son-in-Law Arthur Gagne, Sisters, Shirley Shover and Mae Diane Gerhart, Grandchildren, Troy, Toby, Matthew and Megan Boyd, Heidi Hickman, Scott and Chad Dunn, Danielle Withey, Devon Atwood, Destiny Gagne, Justin and Dylan Jewell, Amanda Earls, Travis and Tyler Hale and John Ponger, 22 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to her sister-in-law, Marilyn Dunn for her unwavering friendship and always putting a smile on her face, and for the loving support and care shown to Helen by Dr. Stadnicki, Dr. Agnahotri and their staff, nurse Lisa and the Staff of Androscoggin Home Heath & Hospice for guiding her journey.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Helen’s name to Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice; 15 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston, Maine 04240
A celebration of Helen's life service will be held on Sunday, November 3rd at 11am at the Fortin Group Funeral Home in Auburn.
