Helen Rose Sioris

Helen Rose Sioris passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15 in Arlington, VA. She was born on May 27, 1943 in Washington, DC to Assimakis and Mary Sioris, both Greek immigrants, her father from the Peloponnesus and her mother from what is now modern Turkey. Helen’s childhood was spent in Washington, where her father was a restaurateur. In 1953, he moved the family to Arlington, where he entered the dry cleaning business. Helen continued to live in the family house on First Street N until her passing. She was a graduate of Wakefield High School in Arlington and attended both Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg and The George Washington University in Washington, DC, graduating from the latter with a BA degree. Helen’s professional career was with the World Bank, where she worked as a budget analyst. She pursued a number of cultural interests. She loved dance, both ballroom dancing and ballet, frequently attending performances at the Kennedy Center and spending hours at the barre herself. Helen was gifted with a lovely soprano voice, which gained her a place in the World Bank’s choral group. Her voice was raised with special enthusiasm at Church of the Holy City (Swedenborgian), which she attended for over 35 years. At the time of her death, Helen had served for the past year as president of the church. She gave generously in many ways to her church and to the wider community, with a special interest in animal welfare, having cared for a series of beloved cats. Until the last day of her life, she continued to participate actively in offering her advice and counsel on church matters. To the end, she smiled through her pain and delighted in the visits of her brother Jim and members of her church. She touched many with her kindnesses and will be greatly missed.