Helen Mary Margot Alfredson Francis, 84, of Searsport passed away in her home surrounded by family on January 9, 2026.  She was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1941 to Clara Oster Alfredson and Oscar Alfredson.  She moved to Maine from New York and graduated from Dixfield High School. 

Helen met the love of her life, Llewellyn Francis, whom she married in 1962.  They built their house in Searsport and Helen made it into a loving home.  They started a family and were blessed with five children: Christina, Keith, Corinne, Cheryl and Crystal.  The blessing extended to thirteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She had a small daycare, and worked at Bob’s Thriftway and Hamilton Marine until she retired in 2004.  She enjoyed wintering in Florida with her husband. 

Throughout her life, she found joy in supporting her children and grandchildren’s activities, walking on the beach to collect shells, baking, sewing and crocheting, Saturday morning yard sales, reading, crafting, playing cards, puzzles and appreciated life’s simple moments like a ride in the car or a cardinal in the tree.  Her family will always fondly remember the Christmas stockings she crocheted and her apple pies.  She will be remembered for her smile, kind and loving heart. Her dogs, Candy, Wendy, Taffy and Bo held a special place in her heart.

Helen is survived by her husband, Lew, and their five children: Christina Bradford and her husband Jeff, Keith Francis and his wife, Monique, Corinne Lanpher and her husband John, Cheryl Leonard and her husband Rick, Crystal Garcelon and her husband Peter.  She is survived by grandchildren: Chad, Kyle, Stephen, Nicole, Mino, Connor, Hannah, Brianna and Alexander.  Predeceased by grandchildren Kayla, Charlie, Andrew and Matthew. Survived by great grandchildren Corey, Carter, Hayley, Emma, Ava, Edith, Esther, Noah, Heather and Gena.  Helen is survived by her brother, Johnny.  She was predeceased by her parents, sisters: Harriet, Millie and Claire and brothers: Oscar, Frank, and Henry

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 17th at Curtis Hall in the First Congregational Church in Searsport at 2:00 to 4:00.  In lieu of flowers, donate to your organization of choice in Helen’s memory. Memories and condolences may be shared on her tribute wall.