Helen J. Litsis

Helen was born on June 29, 1926 to John and Xenia (Kokoinos) Thomas in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Helen attended business school in Cedar Rapids before holding various administrative support positions in the Kansas City Kansas School District. She married George James Litsis on January 6, 1946. They cherished each other for 75 years until George’s death in 2021.

Helen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother (Yiayia), and great-grandmother (Honey). She loved nothing more than being a nurturing matriarch to so many generations; sharing her love, kindness, and the belief that all problems could be solved with koulouria (greek cookies!). Her greatest loves were her family, church, and her late husband George. She loved him deeply and talked about him until the day she left us. She was an active member of the Greek Orthodox church, singing in the church choir and working at the Greek festivals. She enjoyed music and singing and played the violin as a child.

Not only did Helen live a long, beautiful life, she loved making the world around her beautiful as well. She was known for her passion to clean and kept an immaculate home until she had to leave at the age of 94. Helen was the epitome of a lady. She had a love of fashion and always looked lovely in her pearls and a scarf. She could often be seen going to church wearing one of her fancy hats. Beautiful shoes were also something she loved, particularly heels! She had a talent for sewing and used a needle and thread to create lace around her hankies. She spent most of her spare time doing needlepoint. She also loved making pretty dresses for her daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters. Another one of her great talents was her beautiful penmanship. Others sought to have her calligraphy on diplomas, wedding invitations and Christmas cards.

Helen lived a blessed life and her family feels extremely fortunate to have had so much time with her, filled with countless memories. She was lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff of both Santa Marta and Catholic Community Hospice who allowed her to remain an elegant, lovely lady.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; brother, Tom Thomas; and son-in-law, Jim Keaton. She is survived by her daughters Polly (Thomas) Kokoruda, Penny Anne (Dan) Smith, and Pamela Keaton; grandchildren Angela Kokoruda, Amalia Kokoruda Standard, Allyson (Allen) Evans, Alenna (Kevin) Grund, Thad Smith, and Anna Smith; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Contributions in Helen's memory may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.