Corinth, Maine - As cousin Liz noted, the True family lost its rock April 30, 2021. Helen Lucille Greatorex was born December 27, 1921, in Old Town, the daughter of Tom and Katie (Blackwell) Greatorex, who predeceased her. She lived most of her life in Charleston and Corinth, where she attended school. She graduated from (then) East Corinth Academy, where she played basketball. At Lucky's Landing roller skating rink she met the love of her life, Frank True. After they married, he was stationed with the Air Force in Colorado, where the newlyweds spent two years.

Returning to Maine, the young couple bought a farm on the Ridge Road, Charleston, where they raised dairy cows and laying hens. Did they ever have laying hens! 18,000 in fact and Gram picked up those eggs every day.

Gram never knew how many mouths she had to feed. Anyone around at meal time stayed to eat. Her standard line was, "I'll manage some how." Then she'd produce a veritable feast! Her hard and fast rules were "Don't be late" and "Don't smell your food." Also, if you arrived with lax table manners, you left with good manners. Family food favorites included Gram's oyster stew, baked beans, mincemeat and rib roast. It wasn't Christmas if you didn't receive some of her pickles.

Gram also laughed heartily when pre-teen grandson, Jason, mixed gears on cousin Tim's standard shift pick up and landed on top of her picnic table.

As loyal members of the Corinth United Methodist Church, Frank and Helen hosted Sunday night pancake suppers as fundraisers. Her potato salad was legendary at church suppers and Meals on Wheels, which she worked on well into her 90's - always saying she was "Going out to feed the old people."

Other organizations that benefited from her participation over the years were Eastern Star, the square dance club and the dairy club.

After selling the farm, Gram and Gramp moved to Corinth senior housing. Helen was not content to do nothing so she worked in the greenhouse at her son's farm. She regularly arrived first, cleaned the break room and had coffee brewing when the crew arrived at 6 a.m.

Working on the commercial vegetable farm, Helen could have the freshest and best of harvest; instead she took the discolored, misshapen or bruised veggies.

As great-grandson, Alex, mentioned, "At 99 Gram had the wisdom of someone twice her age and the energy/spirit of someone a quarter of her age. For someone who had no idea what an X-box was Gram was disturbingly good at video games!" A few hours after beating out Alex, she enthusiastically participated in "the wave" at a hockey game.

In September 2019, Helen True was awarded the Boston Cane in recognition of her being the oldest citizen in Corinth.

A stalwart defender of her second floor patio bird feeder, a feisty Helen decided to thwart a bothersome squirrel by throwing a pail of water. The family isn't sure if she got the furry enemy or not, but she did get her friend and neighbor downstairs.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas (Isabel) Greatorex and Robert (Alberta) Greatorex. Helen is survived by two sons, Gordon (Barbara) True of Bangor and Robert (Deborah Boggs) True of Maryland. She also leaves seven grandchildren, Tom (Kathy) True, of Georgia, Terry (Susan) True of Hampden, Tim (Tina) True of Holden, Tyler (Jan Marie) True of Florida, Justine (Ron) Pfeiffer of Maryland, Jason (Stephanie) Boggs of Mass., and Laura (Matt) Zawodny of Maryland. In addition, she leaves seventeen great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson soon to be born.

The entire family is indebted to Tina True, RN, Gram's angel. Tina stayed by Gram's side after her fall and advocated strongly on Gram's behalf. The love there was obvious and mutual.

Although it is risky to cite friends who contributed to Helen's well being, those good people included Lucille, Chris, Polly, Linda, Pam, and Wendy.

Abby admitted, "Gram, if I am even a quarter of the woman you are, I will be thankful. I'm incredibly lucky have had so much time with you." Jan Marie added, "Grammy was an amazing lady, deeply loved by many. She was down to earth and sincere, part of what made her so special." Helen True lived to be almost 100 and was of sound mind and body up until her last week. She put family first. She loved to serve others in her home, in her community, and in her church. She was spunky and funny. She ran a home full of boys and men like a tiny general. That tiny lady has left a big hole in many lives. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at the Corinth United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 7, with Pastor Steven Smith officiating. Refreshments will be served following the service. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Please wear face masks inside and observe Covid restrictions. The service will also be live streamed on the Corinth United Methodist Church Facebook page. Gifts in her memory may be made to The Corinth United Methodist Church, PO Box 17, Corinth, ME 04427.