Helen Rhoda MacNeill Leaman, 101, of South Portland passed away peacefully at Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland on May 1, 2026. She was born November 8, 1924, in Leonardville, Deer Island, New Brunswick, Canada, the daughter of Captain Edgar C. and Hattie Conley MacNeill. Helen was educated on Deer Island and in South Portland schools.

Helen left Deer Island in the early 1940’s when her father relocated his family to South Portland. She enjoyed her new community and embraced the opportunities she found there. During World War II, she worked in the template department at South Portland Shipyard, where Liberty ships were built. An independent spirit, Helen bought a car with her earnings, taught herself to drive, and made frequent solo trips to her beloved Deer Island to visit family and friends.

On August 11, 1947, she married Daniel H. Leaman in Portland. The couple had two daughters, Cheryl Leaman and Janet Leaman, both of South Portland.

Helen was supportive of her children and involved in their school activities and other endeavors. She taught Sunday school at Elm Street Methodist Church and was a Camp Fire and Bluebird leader. In later years, she accompanied daughter Cheryl on travels throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

She worked for 22 years at Fairchild Semiconductor, where she was valued for her ability, integrity, and judgment as a Reliability and Quality Assurance Leader. She made many friends through work and enjoyed their companionship well into retirement.

Her ties to Deer Island remained strong, and after she retired, she spent time there annually, in the house where she was raised as a child. Her island neighbors, many of whom were cousins, delighted in the stories she would tell of life in that small place when she was young.

Helen was smart, witty, independent, down to earth, pragmatic, kind, and known to champion the underdog.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Daniel in 1974, and siblings Donald MacNeill, Donna Pride, Ruth Plaisted Moore, Fremont MacNeill, and Franklin MacNeill.

Helen is survived by daughters, Cheryl and Janet, and by many nieces, nephews, great- and great-great nieces and nephews. She was close to nephew Wesley Plaisted and niece Cathy MacNeill.

Services will be private. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Helen’s name are asked to consider South Portland Historical Society: https://sphistory.pastperfectonline.com/