Helia Lew

Helia lived with her family in Marseille, France, until the age of 15, at which time she and her older sister, Suzanne, immigrated by themselves to the United States. They voyaged by ship across the Atlantic, arriving first at Baltimore and then boarding a train to Fresno, California, with the goal of reuniting a family that had been separated due to the Armenian genocide. Helia and Sue were warmly welcomed in Fresno by their aunt, uncle and cousins, and seven years later, when Helia and Sue became American citizens, the rest of the Boroyan family arrived in Fresno as well.

Helia graduated from Central High in 1949, and shortly thereafter she began a long career with Valley Motor Lines. Her career eventually led her to Downey, California, where she resided until her retirement. While at Valley Motor Lines, Helia became a member of the Teamsters Union, and she remained a proud union member throughout her life.

In the 1970s, Helia met Moon Lew, and she and Moon married in 1982, joining together the Boroyan and Lew families. Helia and Moon eventually retired to Fresno. Helia maintained a close relationship with Moon’s daughter, Debra Deatherage, and the extended Lew family, which she valued immensely and for which Helia’s family is very thankful.

Helia loved travel and encouraged her nieces and nephews to explore the world while they were young. During her youth, you would frequently find her with her friends at the Rainbow Room or driving down to Santa Cruz to go to the Cocoanut Grove. Helia traveled extensively, visiting Hawaii before it was even a state, exploring Mexico, and returning several times to Europe to reconnect with family and friends. A particular highlight was a trip she took to China in the 1990s with several members of the Lew family. When she was not traveling, Helia enjoyed hosting her family in Fresno and spending time in her garden.

Helia was the second oldest of the five Boroyan sisters. Her family remembers her fondly for her independent spirit. Helia lived her life on her own terms, but she was always there for her family, and could be counted on for encouragement or welcome words of advice.

Helia was preceded in death by her husband, Moon Lew, her parents, Kachadour and Anna Boroyan, sisters Suzanne Boroyan, Marguerite Lewis and Regine Wilson, and bonus sister Dorothy Kachadurian. Helia is survived by her sister Gisele Woodman, her brother-in-law Jim Woodman, cousin Josephine Midejean, her step-daughter Debra Deatherage, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, of whom she was immensely proud. She will be missed by her family and friends in the United States and France.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the compassionate staff at Belmont Village of Los Gatos and Suncrest Hospice for the loving care they provided to Helia.

in Loving Memory of Helia Lew, a visitation for will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Masis Ararat Armenian Cemetery, 250 N Hughes Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Lew family.