Helen Christine Paleologos

Helen went to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, November 14, 2013, having courageously battled pancreatic cancer for seven months. She was born to Granville and Sylvia Francis in their home in Briton Ferry, Wales, United Kingdom on December 13, 1962.

Having completed her secondary education studies in Wales, Helen came to the United States to expand her opportunities and satisfy her adventuruous spirit. She embarked on this adventure in Houston, Texas as a nanny. Later, she moved to California where she met her future husband Dean. She earned her an Associates of Arts Degree and later became a Director for the Palo Alto Community Child Care Program at Ohlone Middle School.

Over the years, Helen focused on her love of long distance running. An avid and competetive runner in her early days in Wales ranking in the top fifteen women runners in Wales, she ran marathons in Wales, Houston and California.

Helen and her husband Dean came to Fresno from the Bay Area in 2009, to care for Dean's ailing father Gust. While living in Fresno, Helen fell in love with Saint George's Greek Orthodox Church and it's teachings, traditions and customs. She just recently was Chrismated to a Greek Orthodox Christian conducted by Parish Priest Father James Pappas in the Intensive Care Unit at Saint Agnes Medical Center.

She was predeceased by her father, Granville Francis, of Wales.

Helen is deeply mourned by her loving husband, Dean Paleologos, of Fresno; she is survived by her mother, Sylvia Francis; her sister, Karen Francis; her brother and his wife, Leigh and Claire Francis and their daughter, Izabel; all of Briton Ferry, Wales.

The family would like to thank Saint Agnes Hospice for their wonderful care and professionalism; and Elizabeth Tarakjian for her loving attention and nursing care.

Visitation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

A Trisagion and Celebration of Helen's life will be at Saint George's Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at 11:30 a.m.

Remembrances may be made to Saint George's Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N. Orchard St, Fresno, Ca. 93703.