Helen Andrea Rockas

Helen Rotous Rockas, M.D. passed away on December 11, 2020, at the age of 87. Helen was born on November 6, 1933 to Andreas Rotous and Georgia Zaniakou Rotous in Abderdeen, Washington. Helen's parents were both immigrants from Greece (Limni, Evvia) who wanted only the best for Helen and her older sister Cordelia. Their childhood was spent working with their parents at the Thriftway Market grocery store her parents owned, music lessons, dance lessons and other studies. Helen was an exceptionally good student. She entered the University of Washington in the fall of 1951 and graduated with a degree in medical science in three years.

Helen then attended medical school at the University of Washington School of Medicine and graduated in 1958. She was one of only five women in her class. Helen then moved to Sacramento, California to perform her internship at the Sacramento County Hospital. She went to work as a physician at McClellan Air Force Base. Helen was active in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and made many lifelong friends as president of the youth group and singing in the church choir.

In 1960, Helen met her future husband, Chris Evangelos Rockas, an attorney from Fresno, California. They were married on April 16, 1961. Helen then moved to Fresno where she completed a residency at Fresno County Hospital, followed by nearly a decade as a private-practice pediatrician.

Helen spent most of her professional career working to improve the lives of children and adults with special needs at Central Valley Regional Center, acting as its medical director for many years. She was a dedicated, curious, and caring physician.

Helen was always busy, whether being a fantastic mom to her two children, Panayiota and Andreas, or participating in the many activities at St. George Greek Orthodox Church where she worshipped for nearly six decades.

Helen served as the Chairperson of the Fresno-Madera Women Physicians and the Regional Center Physicians Organization. She was President of the Daughters of Penelope, a Greek-American service organization, and Founder and District Chair of Penelope's Library Project, which supported women's shelters across the United States.

She was also a member of the Fresno Community Chorus for 19 years and toured with the group in France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Israel, Italy, and

China. After retirement, Helen volunteered at the 2004 Olympics and Para¬Olympics in Athens, Greece, using her ability to speak Greek and English to direct and assist the crowds.

All who knew her were aware of the deep pride she had for her Greek heritage - and her love of dance and song; she had many wonderful friendships over the years and the family thanks all who were so kind to her in her final years.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and sister Cordelia. Helen is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Chris Rockas, daughter Panayiota (Patti) McCloskey, son Andreas (Andy) Rockas and his wife Danielle Guard, and three grandchildren, Grant McCloskey, Nicole McCloskey, and William Rockas.

Due to the challenging times we are living in, a memorial service will not be held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N. Orchard, Fresno, CA 93703.