HIRAM - Helen E.E. (Brown) Rankin, 90, passed away peacefully August 12, 2022 at Gorham House where she lived for two years. She was born November 23,1931 to the late Evelyn (Pierce) Brown and Charles G. Brown.
She grew up in several cities including Worcester, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine. She married the love of her life, Albert Rankin, and they raised their family on Sebago Road in Hiram. They had two beloved children, Susan and Alan.
Helen’s life is a wonderful example of triumphing over adversity and rising to the occasion. She credits Good Will-Hinckley in Maine for changing the trajectory of her life.
Helen began her nearly 50-year career in school nutrition at Hiram Elementary in School Union 9 and was the School Nutrition Director at Maine School Administrative District 55 for 39 years. After passing a high school equivalency test, Helen went back to school while working full time. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern Maine over the course of 15 years. A Certified School Nutrition Specialist, she belonged to the Maine School Nutrition Association where she held numerous positions including President and Legislative Chair. She was also the Northeast Regional Director for the National School Nutrition Association, representing nine states and serving on the Public Policy and Legislative Committee for two years in Washington, D.C.
When her career in school nutrition came to an end, Helen shifted gears and pursued her love of politics and the legislative process. She served three terms in the Maine House of Representatives from 2009-2014 representing District 97, which included the Oxford and York County towns of Brownfield, Fryeburg, Hiram, Parsonsfield, and Porter. Helen served on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee all three terms. Learning of Helen’s passing, many who served with her referred to Helen as a “Maine treasure” and “champion for children’s school breakfast and lunch programs.” Or, as Governor Janet Mills put it, “one of the loveliest ladies to ever grace the State House.”
Helen is survived by her daughter Susan Rankin of Vermont and her brother-in-law Robert Lonnroth; as well as nieces Pam Aieta (David), Cindy Hennessey (Paul), and Jan Engle (Jay).
She leaves many loving friends including close friend and “adopted” daughter Lynnette Harriman; cherished friend since childhood Gloria Burnell and her husband Clayton; Dr. Linda Sanborn whom she met in the Legislature and who has stayed by her side; the family of her “best” School Nutrition friend, Jeanne Hood; and the family of Lawrence Weeks, Sr. with whom she shared a small office for more than 25 years at Sacopee Valley High School.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Albert, son Alan, sisters Rita (Brown) Lonnroth, Charlotte (Brown) Lonnroth, and brothers Gordon and Lloyd Brown.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday September 11 at 2 pm at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Hiram. Light refreshments and a time to share stories to celebrate Helen’s life will follow at the Hiram Community Center adjacent to the cemetery entrance on Historical Ridge.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s name to support Good Will-Hinckley (16 Prescott Drive; P.O. Box 159; Hinckley, Maine 04944) or Full Plates Full Potential’s mission to end child hunger in Maine (fullplates.org).
Helen’s family and friends are ever grateful for the kind and compassionate care she received at Gorham House, and in the last weeks by Beacon Hospice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish, www.mainefuneral.com