Helen Irene Cargas

Helen Irene Cargas (Limber) fell asleep in the Lord on November 20, 2025, a few days after celebrating her 93rd birthday.

Helen was born in Lansing, Michigan, to the late William and Chrisoula (Kokkines) Limber. She spent her childhood in Lansing, and visiting family in Grand Rapids and Chicago, working for her father at Capital Laundry, singing in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church choir, and enjoying movies. She was the loving older sister of the late Connie (Gus) Kavalaris and the late Nick Limber.

She was educated nearby in East Lansing at Michigan State University. In 1961, she married a real Spartan, Perry James Cargas, who preceded her in death in 2001. She also assisted him at their family-style restaurants, Town Crier, that welcomed and fed so many in Warren, Southfield, Utica, Sterling Heights, and Royal Oak. When James was born in 1966, she became a full-time homemaker. She always made it clear she was not a housewife; she was married to Perry; not the house. Her home was lit up in 1975 when Vicky was born. Along the way, Nugget and Feta became part of the family too.

Helen was very much her own person, a strong woman with a strong resilient character. She loved books, history, and the arts – music, paintings, dance, theater, and architecture. Helen dedicated her life and time to her children, shuttling them to school, sports, ballet, ice skating, horseback riding, and more. Helen sewed ice dresses and Halloween costumes. When family dinners were not announced by the smoke alarm at home, they were frequently at the Town Crier where the family could eat together. Helen’s sour cream apple pie and a few other dishes were universally loved, but often reserved for holidays. Helen made a home but Perry owned the kitchen. Much like Eva Gabor in Green Acres, she turned a hunting cabin in Gaylord into a warm and welcoming retreat for the family to enjoy and thrive. Helen was an avid photographer of family vacations and milestones, and always sent out Christmas cards when time permitted or when the Post Office was less busy in January.

She was a lifelong member the Daughters of Penelope. Helen volunteered at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church when it was on Charlevoix Avenue and later Marter Road. For many years, she hand-addressed the GPA Action Auction invitations until she was replaced by a computer printer and fancy font.

Helen is survived by her children, James (Dorina) Cargas and Vicky (Brian) Steensma, as well as her granddaughters Sophia Steensma and Zoe Helmi-Cargas. She is also survived by her godchildren Nicholas Mighion and Denise Bittinger, her nephew James Kavalaris, and her dear cousin Connie Constant. The family also wishes to acknowledge and thank Ashley Kohling for the loving care, companionship, and laughs she brought to Helen’s life.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 25, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Trisagion prayer service will be at 7:00pm. The funeral service will be held 10:00am on Wednesday, November 26, at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Rd., St. Clair Shores, Michigan, followed by internment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent in Helen and Perry’s memory to AHEPA District 10 Educational Foundation c/o Milton Gust, 1628 Crimson Dr., Troy, Michigan 48083 (please add their names to memo line).