Helen Frances Oakes

ORONO - Helen Francis Oakes, daughter of the late Levi and Emma Butterfield Lancaster, passed away May 11, 2011, from this life to be with God forevermore. She was born April 15, 1913, in Lagrange. Helen was educated at Old Town High School and Eastern State Normal School. She was a retired schoolteacher who taught in the Milford school systems and substituted in the Old Town school system. She was a member of Old Town United Methodist Church since 1925. During her lifetime she was very active in neighborhood women's groups, Floyd Christopher Circle, Old Town Senior Citizens; National, State and County Retired Teachers associations, and in her church. Helen was a lifetime member of Katahdin Chapter No. 121 Order of the Eastern Star. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Walter E. Oakes Sr.; sisters, Mabel, Phyllis and Barbara; and brothers, Donovan, Edgar "Bill" and Robert. She is survived by her children, Walter Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Milo, Nancy and her husband, John Sullivan, of Old Town, Louise and her husband, Mark Keegan, of Boothbay Harbor, James of Old Town, and Eugene and his wife, Kathy, of Branford, Conn. Helen had 35 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many close friends, including Cora Paradis. The family extends a warm thank you to Cummings Healthcare Facility for their care and concern for Helen during her later years in life. We also extend our thanks to Orono Commons. There will not be any visiting hours. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Old Town United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, Lagrange, where there will be a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's memory to Old Town United Methodist Church, 744 Stillwater Ave., Old Town, ME 04468. Notes of condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.