HAMPDEN/ORONO – Helen S. Lebares of Hampden and Orono passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 25, 2021 at the age of 95. Helen was born on May 13, 1926 in Millbridge to Loring M. and Elva Chipman Small.

She grew up on Bridge Hill in Ellsworth and graduated from Ellsworth High School, class of 1943. In later years she endowed a scholarship for other Ellsworth High School students. She then moved to Portland where she was employed by the U.S. Navy at the dockyards until the end of WWII and from there on to the Portland Pipeline where she worked as an executive secretary for 38 years. She retired early to care for Jim in his last illness.

She and Jim traveled often. She continued to travel the world for many years after his passing. Between trips she lived for many years in both Falmouth and Hampden. She was very interested in, and savvy about, the stock market. She passed her knowledge on to other younger women who benefitted from her knowledge and generosity. She was a generous contributor to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, as well as other charities. She loved Maine, especially Schoodic, and her dogs, Angel and Princess, and her pristine BMW.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; her parents; brother, “Bud” (Joy), sister, Bea Hodgekins (Whitney); and her darling doggy companion, Angel.

She is survived by nieces Kathy Hodgekins Brown (Bill), Ann Small, Mary Small (John), Helen Small, nephew, Richard Small (Carrie); cousin, Pete Freeman (Rose), many cousins; great and great-great-nieces and nephews.

“From too much love of living, from hope and fear set free…” May you be on the next great trip, find your lost dear ones, and peace.

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