RAYMOND — Helen D. Weeks, 81, died on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, from cancer, at The Hospice House in Auburn, with her family at her side.
Helen was born in Portland in 1931, the daughter of Richard S. and Gladys L. Palmer. She grew up in Portland, Edgewood, R.I. and Raymond.
Helen attended Fryeburg Academy and enjoyed attending all 61 of her class reunions. She met her husband, Leland Weeks, while attending summer camp in Raymond. They celebrated 61 years of marriage.
Family was very important to both Helen and Lee. They raised their family in Portland and Raymond. She and her husband spent every summer at their camp on Sebago Lake. They later moved to Raymond in 1972 to her parents’ farmhouse. Helen and Lee always loved Sebago Lake, where they later built their retirement home and enjoyed many beautiful sunsets together along with their golden retrievers. Helen enjoyed skiing and spending time at their A-frame at Mt. Abram Ski Resort. They raised their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren to love skiing.
Helen was the previous owner of the family business, Palmer Spring Company in Portland. She was a CNA nurse and a certified med-tech for a short time.
Helen loved traveling all over the United States, Canada and Europe with her husband. Alaska was one of their favorite destinations. Helen also enjoyed traveling to visit exchange students that they hosted in their home through E.F. Helen and Lee placed foreign exchange students in local homes for over 20 years. She attended Grace Bible Church of Gorham. Her church family was a big part of her life. She traveled to Europe on numerous mission trips with her church. There is an ache and sadness in our hearts because she is no longer here, but there is comfort in knowing she is happy and peaceful in God’s hands.
Helen is survived by her husband, Leland E Weeks Jr.; a brother, Joseph B. Palmer of Lexington, Mass.; four children, David E. Weeks of Portland, Kathleen A. Whitten of Raymond, Laurie L. Norwood of South Bristol and the Rev. Leland E. Weeks III of Cedar Park, Texas; 15 grandchildren and 22 great- grandchildren.
A memorial celebration of her life was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Grace Bible Church, 74 Deering Road, in Gorham, with Pastor Robert White officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road, Casco. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Grace Bible Church Missions Fund, 74 Deering Rd., Gorham, ME 04038.