Lena Pulkkinen, 61, of Bryant Pond went home to Heaven on October 5th, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. Lena’s life began on September 28th, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois where she was born to Willard and Jean Cordwell Pulkkinen. She was a graduate of Oxford Hill High School and attended a year of business school She was a renown waitress and bartender but most notably was the heart of Maurice Restaurant for the last 28 years where she usually offered a joke or two at the end of a meal. Lena loved her customers and cherished the relationships that she made with them over the years and created a family within the Maurice’s circle that will never be broken. Lena was also a faithful member of AA for 31 years Lena was a compassionate, kind, and loving person who always tried to do the right thing and stood up for what she believed in whether it was marching into a store when she received too much change back or helping someone in need without seeking recognition. She was an inspiration to those who knew her. Lena was an amazing friend, partner, sister, cousin, and aunt. She meant so many things to many people and the amount of community outreach has been astounding. But above all, Lena was a devoted mother and grandmother to her daughter and two granddaughters. She loved them unconditionally and her love will continue for lifetimes after them. It is a gift to experience the love and devotion that she bestowed on them, and they will be forever grateful. She was a loving mother in law. She is survived by her companion, Antonio Cerrato; her daughter Samantha and her husband James Libby; her two granddaughters Elena and Milena; her siblings Ellie, Mary, Holley, Kalli, and Sally; and several nieces and nephews who all had a special place in her heart; as well as her extended family including Corey and Jenn Sumner and their children. She was predeceased by her parents, Willard and Jean, and her brother Willie. A memorial will take place for her at Maurice Restaurant in South Paris on Sunday, October 10th from 12-4pm; a graveside service will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in South Paris on October 11th at 1pm, all are welcome to attend. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “The Table” in Norway, Maine. This is a local community outreach group that Lena felt very strongly about. Donations can be in a variety of forms; clothing, housewares, monetary, or time. For monetary donations checks for the Table can be made out to “BMUMC/The Table” and sent to PO BOX 859 HARRISON, ME Lena will be deeply missed by her family and community and the family encourages those wishing to remember her to get their regular colonoscopies and continue to spread kindness and love in the world; tell the joke, give the compliment, and always tip your server. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 51 Main St South Paris Maine. To leave an online condolence please visit www.chandlerfunerals.com