I was granted a green card and LPR status in 1986 under IR6, spouse of a US citizen.
In 2007 I returned to Canada temporarily but have overstayed.
Since May 2007 I have made an average of 2 trips per years back to the US but have been using just my Canadian passport when I cross the border. The overstay was due to issues with family members that I came to assist (end result was that my sister died in 2011 and my elderly aunt placed in long term care in 2011) and in 2010 I was very sick for 7 months.
Are these trips back to the US enough to keep my LPR status or would I have to have returned for a 6 month minimum within a 1 or 2 year period over this time?
My husband died in 1989 so being re-sponsored is out of the question.
If my status is lost I believe I have to start with a DS-117 and if that is approved go to an SB-1.
Is there any way to find out what status the US has me as? If I go to the border will they look up my status for me or is this a recipe for disaster?
If I went to cross the border with my personal belongings would they see all the times I have entered the US and consider me a valid LPR?
I desperately want to return home to California!
Thank you,

