Helen M. Tompkins

Helen M. (Drake) Tompkins, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Caribou Rehab & Nursing Center.

Helen was born on July 7, 1936, the daughter of the late Evard and Irene (Madore) Drake.

She is survived by her son, Donald Tompkins and his wife, Paula, of Missouri; and her daughter, Donna (Tompkins) Turner and her husband, Andrew, of Wade, Maine.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Andrea Turner of Coral Springs, Florida; Bradley Turner and his wife, Erin (Thomas) Turner, of Wade; and Dustin Thiel and Tiffany Thiel of Missouri. Her great-grandchildren include Isaac and Adam Liebman and Sage Williams of Coral Springs, Florida; Emerson Bubar and her husband Ian, Benjamin, and Finley Turner of Wade; and Sophia Thiel of Missouri.

Helen is also survived by two brothers, Rodney Drake of Winter Haven, Florida, and Melvin Drake and his wife, Janet, of Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Helen started out her career as a telephone operator working the switchboard. She then worked for 40 years in banking at Washburn Trust Company, which underwent several name changes over the years. Following her retirement, Helen discovered a wonderful new chapter in life when she picked up her guitar and began singing.

Music became such a special part of her life. Many wonderful Saturday evenings were spent at Helen and Fred's home, where family and friends would gather in their "music room" for potluck suppers, laughter, friendship, and hours of music. Those evenings created memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Another of their great joys was camping and traveling to bluegrass festivals throughout the state. Helen was a member of the Aroostook County Bluegrass Band, along with her daughter, son-in-law, and several dear friends. Together, they performed at many events over the years, sharing their love of bluegrass music both on stage and off. Some of the best music, however, happened after the performances were over. Friends would gather around the campers, instruments would come out, and the music would continue well into the wee hours of the morning. There was always time for just one more song!

Helen and Fred also traveled many miles in a motorhome with their daughter and son-in-law, creating wonderful memories along the way. Their adventures took them to Niagara Falls, St. Louis, Missouri, visits with relatives in Tennessee and Florida, and even as far south as Key West. Of all the places they visited, one of Helen's greatest highlights was their trip to Branson, Missouri, where she had the opportunity to enjoy so many wonderful live music shows. It was a special experience for someone who loved music as much as she did.

In her later years, when she was no longer able to play her guitar, Helen found enjoyment in working on jigsaw puzzles. A 1,000-piece puzzle was hardly a challenge for her, and she could often complete one in remarkably little time.

Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Fredrick Tompkins; three brothers, Wilbur, Ken, and Allen Drake; and three sisters, Marie Foote, Lillian Curtis, & Betty Berglind.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Caribou Nursing and Rehab for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to Helen. Their dedication to her comfort and well-being will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

A memorial service celebrating Helen's life will be held in the summer, when her family can all be together.