Helen J. Roux

Helen J. Roux, 83, of Sanford, died peacefully after a lengthy illness on Thursday, April 16, 2015 with her loving children by her side. The daughter of Martin and Helen (Tryon) McCabe, Helen was born in Portland on March 26, 1932, one of seven children. She graduated from Portland High School in 1949 and went on to marry Gerard J. Roux of Sanford on September 1, 1956.Affectionately known as and frequently referred to as "Ma" Roux, Helen worked at Hussey Manufacturing for 25 years before retiring from the City of Sanford where she worked in the town clerk's office for 13 years. Her feisty Irish temper, indomitable spirit and incessant will to live reserved for her a place on Earth as her body was being ravaged by a variety of health issues over the last several years. But it was her infectious personality, generosity and compassion that endeared her to so many. Helen was most happy when doing for others. A past President of the Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus in Sanford, one of her favorite roles was that of playing Mrs. Claus at the annual children's Christmas party. Her favorite pastime was cooking, and she became legendary for her meals and leftover "Ma Roux" plates that she would send guests and family home with. She would always say "If you leave this house hungry it's your own fault!" She also enjoyed hosting pool parties in the summer and later in life developed a passion for puzzles. She always wanted her hair to look good and so enjoyed getting her hair done every Friday."Ma" spoke on the phone to her children every night, and the conversation inevitably would gravitate to what everyone was having for dinner. She would provide the most intricate details of her nightly cuisine. Not only would you know what type of potato she was having, you would also learn what she was putting on it.Helen was predeceased by her parents Martin and Helen McCabe, husband Gerard Roux, sisters Anne McCabe and Patricia Bates, and brother Eddie McCabe. She is survived by her sister Mary Mullen and brothers Tom McCabe and Jack McCabe and their extended families. She is also survived by son John Roux and partner Karen McCarthy of Sanford, daughter Patricia Hambleton and husband Rick of Alfred, Nancy Dodge and husband Doug of Shapleigh, as well as grandchildren Joshua Roux, Nicholas Roux, Derrick Hambleton, Corey Hambleton, Emily Dodge, Ryan Dodge, great granddaughter Liliana Grace Hambleton and manyl nieces and nephews.Ma's family wishes to extend their appreciation to Dr. Steven Schneider and his staff, the staffs at H. D. Goodall Hospital, the Newton Center Home Health Visiting Nurses and Life Choice hospice for the exceptional care and concern shown to her and to them over these past years of her illnesses.Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford. Burial will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Waban Projects, Inc. 5 Dunaway Drive, Sanford, ME 04073.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.