GULFPORT, Fla. — Helen K. Schinas, 68, of Rangeley, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2009 with her loving family by her side at her home in Gulfport, Fla. after a long illness.

Helen was a warm, compassionate person and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

She is survived by John, her beloved husband of 49 1/2 years; four children, David (Rebecca), Dawn (Buz), Robert (Susan) and Carrie (Ann); 11 grandchildren, Amber, Ashley, David, Jeremy, Jordan, Megan, Michael, Michelle, Parker, Roman and Stephen; five great-grandchildren; and the France, Gavard and Kontos families.

Helen will be deeply missed by those who had the opportunity to know her beautiful spirit.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 8, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Main Street in Rangeley.

Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Rangeley. All in attendance are invited to a time of fellowship and refreshment at the Gingerbread House in Oquossoc. Family and friends are invited to call 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the Wiles Funeral Home, Cremation Service & Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington.

The family would appreciate donations in lieu of flowers to the Hospice Foundation of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida, 33760.

Words of condolence may be sent via e-mail to info@wilesrc.com.