Helen K Diamond

It is with sorrow yet joy in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we announce that Helen (Eleni) Kaperonis Diamond has transitioned to her next life surrounded by her loving family at her home on July 11, 2023. She was born on February 20, 1935 in Charlotte, NC to Paul and Maria (Demos) Kaperonis who immigrated from Greece in the early 19th century as teens. They were married in the Greek Orthodox Church and had 8 children together, with Helen being the seventh one. They were devout members at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Charlotte, N.C. as many of Helen’s relatives were and still attend there to this day.

Helen and her siblings endured the tragic death of their father when Helen was about 6 years old. Maria, strong and determined and with her Orthodox Faith kept the family together not only after the death of her husband, but also through the depression era by working in the restaurant business, as a maid, and even a seamstress. Helen had a strong bond with her mother and would go on to acquire the same sense of family, perseverance, and even adventure. Helen and her siblings also acquired a strong work ethic early on in life by working at their relatives’ restaurants and then later when their mother opened her own called the Barbeque Lodge, without her grades suffering, of course.

Helen stayed true to her faith attending the Greek Orthodox Church and becoming a GOYA vice president, a choir member, and Sunday School teacher through adolescence. She would go on to graduate from Harding High School, Charlotte, N.C. in 1952. She continued to work in her mother’s and Uncle Nick’s restaurants while attending business school, which led to a position at Wachovia Bank in Charlotte for several years.

Helen, now in her early 20’s, went on a trip with her mother to visit family members in California. Helen decided to give up the banking business and stay with her sister Pansy in California alongside their relatives. She worked for American Aviation and was an active member at St. Sophia Orthodox Church in Los Angeles. Seeking some added adventure and experiences, she decided to work a couple of ski seasons at Sun Valley Idaho in restaurant and hospitality where she met “the most interesting and delightful people.”

Upon her return to Charlotte, she soon met her future husband and they married in 1958 and moved to his hometown of Harrisburg, PA. She brought her sense of style and fashion, warm hospitality, and an eloquent Southern drawl to the Harrisburg Area where she spent the rest of her life. She attended Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Camp Hill for many years before becoming a full-time attending member at St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church, York PA in 1992, while maintaining her membership at the former Church. Over the years she worked at Goldsmith’s Furniture store, refereed women’s basketball and field hockey and joined various organizations such as Welcome Wagon, Philoptochos, and Progress Elementary PTA.

As a single mother, her focus became her children and she made many sacrifices over the years for them. She often had to work multiple jobs, but still found the time to attend their many activities. She returned full-time to the restaurant business as a hostess at Arthur’s Restaurant in Camp Hill for 15 years. She then transitioned to her “dream job” of working with her daughter, Stephanie, in her solo dermatology practice as a medical receptionist until 2013. In both positions, she was so known for her beaming smile and lively conversations. Her charm and Southern hospitality made all feel so welcomed.

Helen had a special place in her heart for infants, anyone in need, and those who served in our military. She lived out her Orthodoxy each and every day and held on to its traditions. Given her forebearers plight in Greece, she was so grateful to the American Founding Fathers and the Constitution they put forth to protect our “Life, Liberty, and pursuit of Happiness.” She worked hard for her piece of the American Dream as was so proud of what her children would go on to achieve in America in their lives. She held tight to her Greek heritage and kept its culture and traditions alive for her children to hopefully pass on to their children. She remained the gracious lady that all knew her to be until her death.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Jimmy Kaperonis, Demitroula (Tula) Calos, Georgia Joyner, Ted Kaperonis, as well as two who died in childhood before she was born. She is survived by her sister Pansy Dzilvelis, son George (Wendy) Diamond, daughter, Drs. Stephanie Diamond and son-in-law Christopher Reese, whom provided care for her for the last two years of her life, and daughter, Thespina “Missi” (Jon) Spivey as well as grandchildren Sophia, Paul and Priscilla Diamond and Luke and Peter Spivey.

A viewing will be held at Neill Funeral Home, 3401 Market St, Camp Hill on Friday, July 14 from 6-8pm. Her funeral will be held at St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church, 2397 N. Sherman St, York, PA, 17406 on Saturday, July 15 with a viewing from 9:30-11 am followed by the service at 11am and burial at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St John Chrysostom Orthodox Church, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1000 Yverdon Drive, Camp Hill, PA, 17110 or Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.