ORONO – Helen Barrett King, 91, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 11, 2011, at an Orono health care facility. She was born June 9, 1920, in East Orland, daughter of Willard H. and Persis D. (Pickering) Barrett.
Helen graduated from Orono High School, Class of 1939, then attended Husson College for a year. She worked for the University of Maine, Orono, as a secretary, retiring after 23 years of service. Helen wrote and illustrated three children’s books, including one about her loving dog, Sandy. She was a 50-year member of the Esther Eayres Chapter of the Orono Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as the recording secretary and past regent. Helen was very involved in the Orono community. She was a member of the Orono Woman’s Club, twice serving as president, Orono Historical Society, and a longtime member of United Methodist Church, Orono, where she participated in many of the church committees.
Helen was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Kenneth King, in 2005; and by her dear sister, Barbara St. Lawrence. She is survived by two sons, John King and wife, Christine, of Hermon, and Marshall King of Waterville; four grandchildren, Angelia, Cindy, Jessica and John II; and two great-grandchildren, Emma and Karson.
A service of remembrance will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at United Methodist Church, 36 Oak St., Orono, with Pastor Steven Smith officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments after the service in the reception hall of the church. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Orono. Gifts in Helen’s memory may be made to Esther Eayres Chapter of the Orono DAR, care of Registrar Jane Whelden, 155 Forest Ave., Orono, ME 04473. A service of Brookings-Smith, Orono Chapel. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.