Helen Beys Catsinas

Helen was born on March 24, 1930 and grew up in El Paso, TX.

She graduated from Texas Woman’s College where she was an accomplished student and active leader. Helen was crowned Rosebud Festival Queen during her senior year. After graduation, Helen moved to Houston and became a buyer for Foley’s department store.

She soon met the love of her life, Greg Catsinas. They were married in August 1954, raised three children and enjoyed 60 blessed years together before Greg’s passing in 2014. Helen was a loving wife whom Greg depended on in countless ways. Behind the scenes, Helen was his rock, his cheerleader and his deeply devoted partner in life.

Helen made it her life’s work to create a home where her husband and children came first. She was an amazing wife, mother and Yia Yia (grandmother) whose grace, wisdom and strength blessed the lives of her immediate and extended family. Her grandchildren hold dear so many wonderful memories of their fun and elegant Yia Yia whom they affectionately dubbed the “Yia Yia Groove.”

A member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Helen treasured her lifelong friends in the Greek community, including her close-knit “Birthday Group” and the numerous friends she and Greg held dear throughout their lives. She also cherished the more than 50 years of fun she and Greg enjoyed with their Supper Club friends.

She is survived by three beloved children and spouses: Kathy Catsinas Rowan and husband Walter – Charlotte, NC; Liz Catsinas Burke and husband Jimmy; and Gregory Catsinas Jr. – Houston. She is also survived by five adored grandchildren: Elizabeth and Cape Rowan – Charlotte, NC; Blair Burke Foster and husband Jack, Emily Burke and James Burke Jr. – Houston. She also leaves behind her loving sister Thalia Beys of San Francisco and extended family in Texas and California.

The family is grateful for the friendship and loving care provided by her longtime caregivers Trevana Hines, Shelly McDonald, Joyce Kwansah and Mandy Hackett. The family also appreciates the compassionate care given by Flora Spencer, Abbie Rhodes, Joyce Woodfox, Brenda Williams, Pin Oak Caregivers and Blue Bonnet Palliative Care.

Trisagion Prayers will commence at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 6 in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to a reception with the family in the adjacent grand foyer.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Boulevard in Houston to be followed by the interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Pallbearers are Walter Rowan, Jimmy Burke, James Burke, Cape Rowan, Richard Lewis, Gregory Lewis and Jack Foster.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Epilepsy Foundation of Texas (2401 Fountain View, Suite 900, Houston, Texas 77057) in honor of her grandson James Burke or to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (3511 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, Texas 77006).