Helene Elizabeth Haratsaris

Helene was born February 24, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Edward and Norma (Clements) Cole. She grew up with a strong sense of curiosity and determination that would shape both her career and the way she lived her life.

Helene was determined to become an engineer and graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at a time when few women pursued the field. While attending school, Helene met George Haratsaris at work. Their partnership quickly blossomed into a lifelong love, and the two were married in 1968. They shared 35 years of marriage together until George’s passing in 2003. Together they built a home centered on family, their faith, and dedication to the people around them.

Helene built an accomplished professional career as a mechanical engineer, working for several companies over the years. Later in life, she brought her organization and leadership skills into property management, most recently serving as a property manager with Herriman and Associates, Inc. for 15 years. She remained devoted to her work until her reluctant retirement in 2024.

While her professional achievements were many, Helene’s children remember her most for the time and energy she devoted to her community and to them. She was a dedicated Girl Scout troop leader during her children’s younger years, helping guide and mentor many young girls. She also served as a member of the Planning Commission for Unadilla Township and was an active and faithful member of her parish at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor, where she found both spiritual grounding and a strong sense of community.

In her free time, Helene found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved reading, tending to her flower gardens, and expressing her creativity through crafting and painting. These hobbies reflected her thoughtful nature and appreciation for beauty in everyday moments.

Helene is survived by her loving children, D. Athena Kemske, Philip (Jennifer) Haratsaris, and Erica (Robert) Foster; her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Lucas, Zhuming, Bailey, Louis, and Eirini; and her siblings, Michael Cole and Janet Sopp.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Haratsaris, and her parents, Edward and Norma (Clements) Cole.

Helene will be lovingly remembered for her intelligence, creativity, deep faith, and strong work ethic, as well as her unwavering devotion to her family.

A Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, 36075 7 Mile, Livonia, Michigan 48152. Helene’s family will receive visitors at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with the Orthodox prayer Service beginning at 6:00 pm, and again on Wednesday, from 9:00 am until the time of the service at 10:00 am. A burial at Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia will follow. Those desiring may consider contributions in Helene’s memory to Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church.

The funeral service will be held at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox, 36075 7 Mile, Livonia, MI 48152, US, on March 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.