Helen Joyce York Smith

PORTLAND – It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of our matriarch, Helen Joyce York Smith. Born Aug. 26, 1932, in Old Town, Helen passed peacefully at her home in Portland on May 1, 2023, surrounded by family.

Her beloved husband, Frank, preceded her in death; as did her parents, George and Leona; and her older brother, Donald.

She is survived by her younger sister, Barbara; and her four children, Kendall, Lisa, Andrew and Rebecca. Helen has five grandchildren; and, very recently, her first lovingly anticipated great-grandchild.

Love of family was the most important thing to Helen, and just before she departed this Earth she was able to clearly express that to each of us. She was a devoted member of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke’s in Portland, where she led the Prayer Shawl committee for over a decade. Helen and Frank met many friends through St. Luke’s and their loss is deeply felt within their faith community.

In addition to her superlative knitting skills, Helen was a voracious reader, a lover of nature, a leader within her family, and adored by her children and grandchildren. She will be profoundly missed.

Our family thanks the compassionate staff at the Birchwoods at Canco Road and the Hospice of Southern Maine for helping us take such excellent care of Helen.

It was her wish not to hold a memorial service. Arrangements are with Jones, Rich, & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com

Donations in Helen’s memory are welcome and can be made to the Cathedral Church of St. Luke’s, or the environmental charity of your choice.