Helen S York

Helen S. York, originally of Haverhill, MA, passed away at home early Tues. morning. She had spent a lovely evening with family and praying with Monsieur Henchal. She said that it was a wonderful party.

Helen was born on February 12, 1919, the daughter of Helen M. and Russell F. Adams Jr. Helen moved to Maine as a young child. She attended Staple Elementary School and Cathedral Catholic School. She married Renslow Woodrow (Woody) York in 1938. They had three children.

Helen lived most of her adult life on the West End of Portland where she raised her family. She was a faithful member of Saint Dominic's Church.

Helen worked in many different jobs over the years. She worked on the Portland waterfront in the fish markets, was a welder at Portland copper, and finally in housekeeping at Osteopathic Hospital, where she kept all the doctors in line.

Helen was also an avid bowler. Her many trophies were some of her most treasured possessions. The story of the “Highest Scorer” trophy is a family legacy.

Helen was always a very busy body. Getting her to sit and relax was near impossible. She loved to tinker with wood projects, especially making clocks and nautical scenes. Her baby blankets and doll clothes are cherished by her grandchildren. She was also famous for her cooking skills and green thumb. Houseplants flourished under her TLC. She could bake the best whoppie pies in town and she loved to fix up a big pot of baked beans and share it with her neighbors. And cookies... WOW!

Helen loved the children and animals. She bought toys for the young ones and thought iced oatmeal cookies should be daily doggie treats. Helen will be remembered for all her creative talents but also for her straight spoken words and dry sense of humor. Tues. night, while experiencing limited oxygen capacity, when the hospice nurse asked her, “Helen, how do you feel?” her reply was, “With both my hands.” That was Helen!

Helen is predeceased by her husband, twin brother George, brother Frank, sisters Alice and Beryl, daughter Diana, son John, grandson Michael, and great-godson Gary.

She is survived by her daughter Nancy Ruby and her husband Richard of Limington, her granddaughter Shirley M. Mitton and her husband Stephen of Scarborough, and her sister-in-law Catherine Adams. Other grandchildren; Debra, Cathy, Brenda, John, Sarahjo, Bob, Richard, Daniel, Mark and Charles. Great-grandchildren; Joshua, Summer, Jessica, Dan, Samantha, Joseph, Erin, Bob, Joshua, Bruce, Stephanie, Amanda, Tyler, Patrick, Lauren, Kylie, MacKenzie, Matthew and Jillian (Dottie) too.

Great Great Grandchildren; Bradley, Caitlyn, Penelope, and Evangeline Helen also leaves behind nieces; Vanessa, Stephanie, Melissa and favorite nephew Larry.

Her good friend Eddie and many others special friends.

Helen will be missed by all. Rest in Peace.

Helen's family would like to express a special thank you to all the people of the VNA Hospice for their tender and patient care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation Friday August 13, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church 150 Black Point Road Scarborough.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Make-a-Wish Foundation 87 Elm St. Suite 203 Camden, ME 04083.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Helen’s guestbook.