Helen Nathalie (Vining) Springer

Helen Nathalie Springer, 86, passed away peacefully on September 23rd, 2021 at the Pinnacle Health & Rehabilitation Center in Sanford, Maine.

 Helen was born in Hartland, Maine on May 4th, 1935 to Elsie (Baird) Vining and Nathaniel Vining.  Helen graduated from Hartland Academy in 1953.  She married Lawrence C. Springer, Sr., on June 7th, 1953.  They were married for 55 years before Lawrence's passing in January of 2009.

 Helen is survived by her three children: Lawrence C. Springer, Jr. and wife, Debra; Carolyn Stratos and husband, Christo, Nancy Needham and husband, Craig, all from Wells, Maine.  Helen had four grandchildren:  Jennie Lawson and husband, Eric; Weston Springer and wife, Audra, Brandon Springer and wife, Brianne and Kristin Caron.  Helen had seven great grandchildren:  Tyson, Kaden, Natalya, Ariella, Camden, Elsa and Lily.

 Helen is predeceased by her sister, Anna Merrill, of Deep River, Ct., and her brother, Clifford Vining from Newport, Maine.  She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline McCourtney, from Rockwood, Maine and many nieces and nephews.  

 Helen was a woman of many hobbies and talents in her lifetime.  In her younger years, she enjoyed roller skating at the Blue Moon in Hartland.  She continued her love of skating at and worked for Happy Wheels in Portsmouth, NH .  Helen drove school bus in St. Albans for a few years in the 60's and had a successful career as a Mary Kay Consultant winning many awards.  She also enjoyed ceramics, sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking and was a master cake decorator. Helen loved bingo and played 2-3 times a week at Pinnacle Sanford (winning almost every time she played) as well as playing cards with her friends there.  Helen was an avid Red Sox and New England Patriots fan.

 Helen and Larry traveled extensively over the years and for 35 years they were snowbirds in Zephyrhills, Florida making many lasting friends and memories.  She was the  President of the Gem Estates for a few years and organized the bingo games there as well.  

 Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her knew she was fierce, sassy, told you exactly what she thought of you, and was the life of the party. She was our rock, the center of our  family, and a force of nature that is hard to describe.  Always providing and giving, loved to chat, tell you a story and have her family close to her.  She raised us all to be generous human beings, but also with tough love for balance.  She will be missed greatly by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and her legacy will live on through them at the Springer Compound in Wells.  

 The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff members who cared for her during her three and a half years at Pinnacle Sanford.  She was well loved and we appreciate all that was provided to her.  She loved her family there.

 Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 30th, 2021 from 6-8pm at Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick, Maine.  A graveside Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 at 1:00 at the Maloon Cemetery on the Grant Road, St. Albans, Maine.  Following the service, all are invited to the Irving Tanning Community Center on Pleasant Street in Hartland for light refreshments.

 In lieu of flowers, we are requesting donations be sent to the Resident Council Fund, Attn: Activity Dept., Pinnacle Health Center, 1142 Main Street, Sanford, Maine  04073.  

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