Helen S. Skinsacos

Saco

Helen S. Skinsacos, 95, of Saco, Maine, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, June 8, 2026, at Seal Rock Healthcare in Saco.

She was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on March 8, 1931, the daughter of James and Bessie Skouras.

Helen graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in Providence, RI. After high school, she became a dance instructor with the Arthur Murray Dance Center, specializing in the Tango. She credited her dance background with helping her remain active and agile throughout her life. Helen also had a flair for fashion.

Her early years were spent helping at her father's family restaurant, City Cafe/What Cheer Lunch, in Providence. The family later moved to Old Orchard Beach, where they opened another restaurant. Helen and her husband, Peter, later owned and operated the Flagship Motel in Old Orchard Beach.

More recently, well into her 80s, she was employed by the Waves Oceanfront Resort. She cherished the relationships she built with her coworkers, many of whom became lifelong friends. She spoke fondly of these friendships until the time of her passing and will be greatly missed.

Never one to sit still, Helen enjoyed participating at the St. Demetrios church bizarre in Saco, where she worked at the White Elephant Table.

She also supported the Northern Star, as her husband was a member of the Elks.

Helen was a wonderful cook and baker. Those fortunate enough to receive a plate of her Greek pastries especially enjoyed her baklava. She guarded her baklava recipe closely and kept it a secret to the very end.

Helen was also an avid New England Patriot fan knowing the name of each player.

She especially enjoyed playing card games with her grandson, Dimitri, over the years. She would proudly tell others that he could "beat her." Helen also welcomed all of her grandchildren to use the pool at the Waves during designated hours, always with strict instructions to behave and follow the rules.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Peter Skinsacos, and her sister, Mary Pappas.

She is survived by her son, Plato Skinsacos and his wife, Stacey; her grandchildren, Dimitri Skinsacos and his wife, Victoria, Jeffrey Sevigny and his wife, Brittany, Scott Sevigny and his wife, Danielle, and Kristen Hussey and her husband, Matthew; and her great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Roman, Ellie, Bernice, Benjamin, Emberly, Jameson, Wyatt, Emmett, Garrett, Bennett and Brett. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

OG Yia Yia you will be missed!

Visiting hours will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco. A private graveside service will follow.

Those wishing to express their sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the Saco Food Pantry. Helen often remembered how her father would feed anyone in need after his restaurant closed each night, and she carried that same spirit of generosity throughout her life by helping others whenever she could.