TOPSHAM – Helen M. Cole, 84, passed away quietly on Dec. 26, 2021. She was the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Kale) O’Rourke.Helen was a teacher, mentor, and loved helping people become their best selves. She was loved and admired in every school system in which she was involved, whether it be at home or abroad. Helen was chosen to teach abroad in Tehran, Iran, and was able to take her boys John and Larry with her, which enriched their lives as well as her own and her students. She completed her career in teaching as a teaching principal in the Smithfield, Maine area.Helen was predeceased by two sisters, Mary McGarrell and Elizabeth Simpson and two brothers, Lawrence O’Rourke and Michael O’Rourke.Helen is survived by her two sons, John D. Cole III, his wife Margaret, of Durham, ME and Lawrence Cole and his wife Natsuko of Louisville KY; her grandchildren Elizabeth (Cole) Nichols and her husband Roy Nichols, James Cole, Rebecca Cole, Liam Cole, Aidan Cole, Sean Cole, Michelle Cole, and Ann Cole; great grandchildren children David and Henry. Helen is also survived by her sister, Anne McNulty of West Roxbury, Mass., and several nieces and nephews.A small graveside service will be held in the Spring. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels,Muskie CenterWaterville, Maine 04901 where Helen donated countless hours preparing and delivering meals to the disabled, elderly, and housebound during her retirement years.

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