Helen Glen McConnell

KENNEBUNKPORT – Helen Glen McConnell, a wonderful mother, devoted wife, and McGill graduate, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Aug. 13, 2025 at 93. She had lived a very full and adventurous life with family both in Canada and the U.S.

Helen grew up in Westmount, Montreal, Quebec and attended local schools before working at Alcan Aluminum Co. She had two daughters with her first husband, Tom Baillie, and was an at home mom. Later, as a single woman in the ’60s, she went back to work as the principal’s secretary at Rosemere Elementary School. That allowed her to spend summers at Lac Maskinonge with her daughters at the Glen family’s lake house. She lived as a very independent woman of Scottish descent who was self-supporting and devoted to “her girls”.

She met and later married Bob McConnell while a member of the Northern Aires singing group that performed at Expo 67. He was her soulmate and full of love and fun. They bought a second home in Kennebunkport and later moved there permanently. Helen received her Maine real estate license and loved working in Kennebunkport Realty firms part-time. As a founding member of Coastal Investment Group (CIG), she enjoyed researching and discussing investment opportunities with fellow members and family. As a Legacy member of the Arundel Yacht Club since 1977, Helen loved spending time with her late husband, Bob, boating and having fun times with members, especially with the local legends on the river.

Helen later ran a bed and breakfast in her beloved riverfront home with her late husband, Jim O’Leary. He was a delightful Irishman, full of charm and the perfect host at Waters Edge. They both enjoyed meeting guests from all over the world. They also enjoyed travelling and took many memorable trips together.

Recently, she lived a more quiet, family-centered life, enjoying her Sudoku, reading the paper on her sunny back porch and watching Jeopardy after dinner.

She took special joy in her grandchildren. They will all cherish the memories of love, fun and understanding she brought to their lives. From family ski trips to Canada to our holiday family dinners, she loved us all unconditionally. Helen was a generous, kind and compassionate woman who spoke honestly and from the heart.

Helen was proud of her family, often proclaiming, “I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family that are loving and close by!”

We thank her for times shared, advice given, wisdom imparted, stories remembered and for being a wonderful mom, grandmother, wife and friend to us all. She will be profoundly missed and joyfully remembered.

Helen is survived by two daughters, Susan Baillie Benson (Rob Benson), Joy Baillie Gagnon (Jacques Gagnon); grandchildren Scott and Chris Benson, Elizabeth and Cameron Morison; as well as nieces, nephews; cousins; and extended family living in Canada and the U.S.

There will be a private family burial and celebration of life at a later date.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Helen’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.