Helen P. Fournier

Biddeford

Helen Paula Fournier, 85, of Biddeford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family Friday morning, March 10, 2023, at Pinnacle Health and Rehabilitation in North Berwick.

She was born in Summit, New Jersey on July 2, 1937, a daughter of Chester and Myrtle (Williamson) Smith. She graduated from Summit High School, class of 1955.

Helen married her beloved husband, Rene Fournier, on February 16, 1957.  The young couple settled in Summit and New Providence NJ, before relocating to Saco Maine in 1968, where they raised three wonderful children, Faith, Paul, and Joyce.

Helen was employed by Unum in Portland for 20 years, retiring in 1993.

Helen and Rene had a passion for camping, square and round dancing, and travel.  They visited nearly every one of the contiguous United States with their camper.  Sadly, their adventures were cut short by the passing of Rene in 1993.

Helen continued traveling with family and friends which included the good fortune of taking many cruises. She also loved going to the Ogunquit Playhouse, dining out at area restaurants, and visiting craft fairs.  She was an avid reader, and she enjoyed a game of cards or dominos with friends.

Most of all, Helen cherished spending time with her family.  She will be sadly missed by many.

She was predeceased by her husband Rene Fournier.

Helen is survived by her three children: Faith Ridley of Biddeford, Paul Fournier and wife Joanne of Saco, Joyce Perrigo and Timothy Perrigo of Biddeford and Florida; six grandchildren: Jennifer Litwinowich and husband Mark Smith, Sybil Wilen and husband Drew, Joshua Ridley and wife Ashley, Aaron Ridley and wife Elisa, Amanda Ridley and husband Chris Huppe, and Caitlin Perrigo; as well as eight great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother Chester Smith Jr.

A small, private graveside service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen's name to the Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine https://giving.gsfb.org/give/406217/#!/donation/checkout , or to the Greater Portland Animal Refuge League https://arlgp.org/make-a-gift/donate/