CAMDEN and BREWER — Helen McCracken, 101, passed away peacefully May 19, 2014, at Quarry Hill in Camden. Helen was born in Brewer on Sept. 19, 1912, the second daughter of Victoria H. and Andrew H. Rose.

Helen was a member of the Calgary Baptist Church while living in Brewer. She was a graduate of Brewer public schools and earned a degree from Washington State Normal School in Machias, now the University of Maine-Machias. She taught elementary school for several years in Brewer.

She was married to Howard F. “Ben” McCracken for 65 years, raised three children and traveled to many destinations while Ben followed civil engineering jobs across the world. Helen was a life long learner, always keeping a dictionary, an atlas and a medical encyclopedia close at hand. Helen's most remarkable quality was the ability to be resilient and make the best of every situation or challenge she encountered in life.

She is predeceased by her husband, Howard; and her sister, Gladys H. McClay of Bangor. Helen attributes her long and healthy life to the loving attention of her family and friends.

The McCracken family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers at Anderson Inn for their kind and compassionate care to Helen.

Helen is survived by her three children, Dr. Howard “Skip” McCracken Jr. of Waterville, James and his wife, Nancy, of River Forest, Ill., and Andrea and her husband, Robert “Bob” Maricich of Las Vegas, Nev. She was cherished by her eight grandchildren, Andrew, Benjamin, Katherine “Katie”, Parker, David, R.J., Luke and Zach; her four great-grand children; and five nieces and nephews.

Services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.