Helen P. Trefethen

Helen P. Trefethen Helen P. Trefethen of Westbrook, Maine, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, at the age of 89, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough surrounded by her family, after long illnesses. Born in Portland, Maine, on July 17, 1935, Helen was the daughter of the late Glendon Hutchins Sr. and Hazel Moses. She graduated from Deering High School in 1953, where she met her future husband, Gerald “Bud” E. Trefethen Sr., at a high school barn dance. They married that same year, on April 25, and spent 63 years together. Helen was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. While raising four children, she worked at the American Can Company for many years. She and her family spent two years living in Franklin, Massachusetts, where she worked for the Tupperware Company, before returning to Portland. Helen then joined the Portland School System. She began as a teacher’s aide and later worked in the Assistant Principal’s office as an Administrative Assistant at Portland High School, where she became affectionately known as “Mrs. T” to generations of students. After retiring, Helen continued to give back to her community. She was the coordinator for the Meals on Wheels program at Prides Corner Church in Westbrook and volunteered wherever she was needed. She was a giver in every sense of the word. Helen loved her family deeply and never missed a chance to be part of a family gathering. She enjoyed knitting, reading, crafting and staying connected with her church families—first at Prides Corner Church and later at Windham Hill United Church of Christ. Helen is survived by her son, Gerald E. Trefethen Jr., and his wife, Dina, of Gray-New Gloucester, her daughter, Cynthia K. Trefethen of Windham, her sister Maureen Burnham Calnan and husband Robert of Brownfield, Son in Law, David Crane of Yarmouth. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Ryan Crane (wife Tracy), Andrew Crane (wife Taryn), Brent Crane (wife Jackie), Caitlin Coppenrath (husband Drew), Eric Mason, and Kelsea Bickford (husband Robert); and seven great-grandchildren: Hayden, Landon, Caleb, Elias, Colby, Ryan, Parker, Hazel and Sage. She leaves behind many cousins, and dear friends at Millbrook Estates—especially Roma and Sandy. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald E. Trefethen Sr.; daughters Cathy Crane and Holly Mason; and her brother, Glen Hutchins. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Annette D., RN; Pam B., RN; and Erin McCormack, LCSW, from Southern Maine Hospice Care at Home, for their dedicated and compassionate care over the past year and to Dr. Winters and Dr. Wrona at New England Cancer Specialist. Special thanks also to the Nurses and CNAs at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their comfort, kindness, and support during Helen’s final days. She felt truly at peace there. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Windham Hill United Church of Christ, 140 Windham Center Road, Windham, Maine. A reception will follow in Friendship Hall. There will be a private burial at a later date. To share memories and condolences with the family please go to www.athutchins.com. Arrangements are under the care of A.T. Hutchins, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland. In lieu of flowers, Helen requested that donations be made to Families Helping Families, an organization close to her heart. Donations can be mailed to 134 Park Road, Westbrook, Maine 04092 or Venmo @sue-salisbury

Helen P. Trefethen

July 17, 1935 - April 8, 2025

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