Auburn – Gracienne V. Helms, 93, passed away peacefully Nov. 13, at Clover Health Care Facility.

She was born in Montreal, Canada, on July 20, 1913, the daughter of Emile and Amanda (Chabot) Pare. Her family moved to Lewiston when she was a child, where she attended local schools.

On Oct. 20, 1930, she married Raymond Helms Sr. whom she was married to for 65 years before his death in August 1995. In 1956, she and her husband moved to New Gloucester and returned to Lewiston in 1976.

She was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, puzzles, eating out, taking trips and family gatherings. Over the years, she and Mr. Helms cared for many foster children.

She is survived by her children, June White of Gloucester, Mass., Robert Helms, and his wife, Nancy, of New Castle, Pa., Rejane Rodenbeck, and her husband, Ralph, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Joyce Spencer, and her husband, Larry, of Livermore Falls and Linda Helms, daughter-in-law of Lewiston; her foster children, Judy Pendexter of Auburn and Fred Campbell of Palmyra; 18 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a granddaughter, Keri Myrick who was always there for her.

Besides her husband, she was predeceased by a son, Raymond Jr. in 2004; and two sisters, Stella Christenson and Noella Pare.