Helen, affectionately known as “Hennie,” was born in Biddeford on May 1, 1920, the daughter of David and Mary (Biggar) Mercier.
She attended Thornton Academy, graduating in 1938 with a focus on typing and shorthand. Following graduation, Helen was employed as a secretary at Bates Manufacturing and later as a secretary at the Mutual Movie Theater in Saco.
In 1946, Helen married Lt. William K. Snow, a member of the U.S. Navy. Over the next 17 years ,the couple moved to various naval bases on the East Coast and spent three years in Naples, Italy. Upon returning to the states in 1963, the family was transferred to Brunswick, Georgia, and in April of that year, Lt. Snow passed away at age 42. Following her husband’s death, Helen returned to Maine with her daughter, Susan, and resided on Stacy Street in Saco.
Helen was employed as a secretary at Thornton Academy for nine years, then became secretary to the executive director of Sweetser Children’s Home until her retirement in 1985.
Helen was a strong and independent woman who provided for herself and her daughter. She was a very kind and caring person, and a wonderful mother, motherin law, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her outgoing manner and quick wit made her loved by all who knew her. She loved to make people smile or laugh, and was willing to lend a helping hand whenever one was needed.
Helen was a member of United Baptist Church of Saco, American Baptist Women’s Ministries, the Fidelis Class, and Women’s Educational and Industrial Union of Saco. She also participated in the foster grandparent program at Young School in Saco. She was a member of the Professional Secretaries of Portland and Literacy Volunteers in Old Orchard Beach.
In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Renell and Virginia Scammon, and her brothers, Thomas Mercier and David Mercier.
She is survived by: her daughter, Susan Snow-Perry and son-in-law, Lawrence Perry; two grandsons, Kyle Perry, and Christopher and his wife Catie Perry; one brother, Raymond Mercier and his wife Lydia; a sisterin law, Eleanor Mercier; a brother-in-law, Harley Scammon; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Falmouth House for their compassion and care for Helen over the last year. They would also like to thank the many friends and relatives who sent cards, spent time visiting, took her out for lunches and rides around town, and took her to Sunday tea at the Scammon household.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at United Baptist Church in Saco, followed by a memorial service. Interment will be at Laurel Hill cemetery, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to any charity of choice. Please visit cotefuneralhome.com for information and to sign Helen’s online guestbook.
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