PORTLAND — Helen (Helley) Marie Foster, 76, passed away unexpectedly in Portland on February 26, 2012, at Maine Medical Center.

Helen was born in Belfast, the daughter of Gladys (Marshall) and Clyde Foster. She was predeceased by her husband Robert Gossom, her brother Robert Foster and her sister Marjorie Peak. She is survived by her sister Linda Roberts; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

Helen was employed at K and K Video in Naples as the store manager, and Alyssa’s Motel in Casco as a housekeeper. She enjoyed working with ceramics, stamp collecting, knitting, playing the piano and singing. She always loved animals, especially her loyal cat companion, Bobby. Helen enjoyed volunteering at Harvest Hills Animal Shelter and would play with the shelter cats on Saturdays while she was still able to drive. Eventually she adopted one of the cats who had been hit by a car and had been abandoned by the side of the road. In her younger years, Helen and her husband groomed and trained horses, and during that time, a horse the she had been caring for bit the upper end of her finger off.

Helen was the original President of the Bob Marley (the Comedian) Fan Club. She truly looked forward to seeing every one of Bob’s shows that played locally. Bob would always get front row seats for her and even included her photo once on one of his CD covers.

Helen resided on Lamb’s Mill Road in Naples for several years, and then moved to her more recent apartment in Unity Gardens, Windham. There will be graveside services in Belfast in the springtime. In memory of Helen, donations may be made to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd, Fryeburg ME 04038.