WESTBROOK & BUXTON- Helen Irene Harris of Westbrook was born January 17th, 1940 and passed away peacefully to be with the Lord, loved ones at her side, on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018.
Helen grew up in Westbrook and attended Westbrook schools, but completed her GED years later at Bonny Eagle High School, something she and her family were so proud of. She lived much of her life in Buxton and then Westbrook again.
Helen had many passions in life that brought her great happiness. Her love of horses was lifelong, her talent for crocheting and her enjoyment of all games, board, cards but most especially Bingo.
Her greatest passion however, was her family. She married James F. Harris, her beloved husband of 59 years, on July 24, 1959. They shared and endured everything in life, joys and sorrows, together. She was the devoted and cherished mother of daughter Brenda and son James and pride filled and loving Grammie of Mark Harris. She came from a very large family and all the love, caring and joy she had to give was poured out on them and anyone she "adopted" into that family.
Helen was a stay at home Mom much to the blessing of her children and also got involved in community. She was a member of the Groveville Grange/Garden Club, the North Scarborough Grange and the Groveville Fire Dept. Auxiliary, calling Bingo, serving at bean suppers, helping where she could.
Helen faced several severe health issues including a stroke and COPD. Those issues changed her life but did not define it. Her amazing courage and strength, enduring faith in God, her incredible sense of humor and good-natured feistiness as well as her depth of compassion for others made her an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was so loved and will be so deeply missed.
Helen is predeceased by her parents Clifford and Edna Edgerley of Westbrook, her brothers Albert, Howard, Tommy, Eddie and Rob and her sister Dottie. She is survived by husband James Harris of Westbrook, daughter Brenda and her husband Nicholas Taxiarchis of Buxton, son James Harris and his wife Sheri of Baton Rouge, LA and grandson Mark Harris of Stuart, FL, sisters Ethel McKeen of North Yarmouth, Ellie Grubb of Ashland, OH, Gloria Ciesielski of Westbrook, Sharon Tobey of Gorham, Penny Black of Pittston, Shirley Caldwell of Cleveland, OH and brother Clifford Edgerley, Jr of Gorham and precious baby boy Jamie, brothers and sister in law, and a multitude of nieces and nephews, great as well as great great nieces and nephews. So much love shared by all.
Helen's family would like to thank the staff of Springbrook Center, who provided limitless care, affection and support these last 4 years. They would also like to thank the staff of Maine Medical Center 5th floor, for their efforts, TLC and support this last month for Helen and her family and to Gosnell House for providing a peaceful haven.
A memorial celebration service will be held Sat. Sept 29th at 2p.m. at the Chad Poitras Cremation and Funeral Chapel, 498 Long Plains Rd., Buxton. A private graveside service at a later time. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:
The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, PO Box 10, S. Windham, ME 04082. These donations will go directly to the care and feeding of rescued horses.