GARDINER - Helen May Thibeau, lovingly known to many as Gram, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, at the age of 82. Helen was born on November 16, 1943, in Hamden, Maine, to her parents Joseph Ouellette and Priscilla (Hitchcock) Ouellette Hallett, both of whom predeceased her. She spent much of her life in Gardiner, Maine, where she created a life full of love, laughter, and family and later made her home in Pittston, Maine Helen dedicated much of her working life to caring for others as a Personal Support Specialist (PSS), along with time spent in home health and housekeeping. Caring for people wasn't just her job—it was who she was. She had a heart big enough for everyone. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald Phillip Thibeau Sr., who passed in 2002. She was also predeceased by her daughters, Donna Lee Williams (Thibeau) and Tina Marie Thibeau; her grandson, Travis Williams; and her great-grandchild, River. Helen is survived by her children: Donald Phillip Thibeau Jr. and his wife Merry Kretchkin of Chelsea, Maine; Tammy Lee Rideout and her husband Dennis Rideout of Pittston, Maine; and her daughter and granddaughter whom she lovingly adopted and raised as her own, Helen May (Thibeau) McArthur and her husband Mike McArthur of Dresden. She also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren: Jesse Williams, Chasity Thibeau, Christopher Bell, Shyanne Moody, Scott Newton, Tasha Newton, Tracy Rideout, Brian Rideout, Mikaela McArthur, Nate Thibeau, and Mikey McArthur Jr. Helen was blessed with a large and loving family of great-grandchildren: Jordan, Lauren, Brayden, Derek, Zachary, Jacob, Marissa, Zackary, Wayne, Bailey, Lilyanna, Journee, Bryleigh, Matison, Jacoby, Cole, Chloe, Camdyn, Emmalee, Jaxson, Jase, Judah, Gabriel, and Evelyn. Helen's greatest joy in life was her family. She had a special gift for making everyone feel like they belonged, whether you were family, a friend, or one of the many neighborhood children she welcomed into her home with open arms. She loved going to lawn sales, dancing at Crystal Falls in Chelsea, listening to country music, and shopping—especially her trips to the Dollar Tree and let's not forget her famous peanut butter fudge that was a request at all family gatherings. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her generous heart, her strength, and the endless love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. A service to celebrate Helen's life will be held at a later date. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com