Helen Skoby

Helen Skoby, born in Chicago, Illinois on March 5, 1934 died peacefully on Friday, April 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Chris and her son, Louie. She is survived by her daughters Michelle (Tommy) and Cristina (Gus) and her cherished grandchildren, John (Natalie), Henry, Lukas, and Chris. Being a Yia-Yia to her grandsons was her greatest joy and her biggest pride.

Helen grew up in Oak Park, Illinois with her adoring parents, Louis and Matina Sourapas and her siblings Katherine and Harry. She attended Oak Park River Forest High School and studied English Literature at Rosary College and Northwestern University. She was a stickler for grammar and loved reading and doing her daily crossword puzzles. Helen had a knack for foreign language and prided herself with her ability to speak and write fluent Greek and Spanish.

In 1959, Helen met the love of her life, Chris, on a blind date. After only five dates, Chris proposed; a month after that, they were married. Helen left her family in Oak Park to live in the San Fernando Valley where Chris was in the restaurant business. As a devoted couple, they enjoyed their family and friends and loved entertaining. Helen was a social butterfly and took an interest in whomever she met, making everyone feel special. She was an amazing cook and treasured sharing her signature dish, galatopita, with all her many friends and family.

Chris and Helen became early members of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, CA and immersed themselves in growing the parish and community they grew to love. Helen spent many years volunteering for the Saint Nicholas Greek festival, whether it was as co-chairman of the raffle booth alongside her best friend and koumbara, Presbytera Chris Kezios, or baking for months with the Greek ladies in the kitchen.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 10:30-11:30am at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91325. Following the service, the interment will be at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery, 22601 Lassen Street, Chatsworth, and the makaria at Saint Nicholas Church ballroom.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in memory of Helen Skoby.