PORTLAND – Helen Perrey, 95, went to heaven on Friday, July 19, 2019 while in hospice care at Fallbrook Woods, Portland with her family present. She was born on March 14, 1924 in Lisbon Falls, the daughter of George and Anna (Lemes) Yanok. Helen was a first generation child of a large Czechoslovakian family.

Helen grew up in Brunswick and attended schools there. Helen saw many changes in the world during her long life and took pride in telling the story of her working for a defense contractor in New Jersey during World War II. She later was employed at the Verney Mill in Brunswick and retired from Bowdoin College after 28 years of employment.

The Yanok-Perrey home in Brunswick was a haven for many relatives and Helen was devoted to caring for her siblings as they aged and many other relatives who were nurtured by the extended family household. Helen was a single mother to her son, Tom, raising him from a young child following her divorce from husband, William A. Perrey Jr. Helen was a faithful servant of Christian values as a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church. She enjoyed playing Bingo in her younger years as well as spending Sundays in Harpswell at the cottage, often enjoying a lobster dinner with family and/or friends. Her love for the family pets was ever present.

Helen is survived by her son, Thomas Perrey, and his wife, Joyce and their daughter, Hilary of Westbrook; a brother, Albert Yanok of Sebec; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by brothers, Frank, George, and John Yanok, sisters, Mary Latendresse, Betty Hutchinson, Anna and Frances Yanok, and Gertrude Heath.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen Street, Brunswick. A private family burial will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Brunswick. The family would like to express their gratitude to Elizabeth Huppe who helped care for Helen prior to her moving to Fallbrook Woods where she also received excellent care and to whom we extend our sincere thanks.

Those wishing to remember Helen may make donations in her name by mail to

Alzheimer’s Association,

383 U.S. Route 1

Suite 2c

Scarborough, ME 04074

or a credit card donation to the Alzheimer’s Association-Maine chapter may be made by calling 207-772-0115.