At the young age of 88, Helen passed away peacefully on February 8, 2019. She was the oldest daughter of Greek immigrants Tom and Angeline (Hondros) Huntalas, with 2 younger sisters, Katherine Chiarchianis and Bella Martikas. She grew up in Vista, California and moved to San Diego after marrying the love of her life, Alex, on October 14, 1951.
Helen loved growing up in Vista close to her favorite cousin, Ted. Her parents had acres of lemons, oranges and avocados, which she truly loved to eat. Especially good Eureka lemons, peel and all. Her mom lived at their ranch home in Vista until her death. It was a place of many good memories and large family gatherings.
Helen and Alex bought their first home in Kensington in 1958, remodeled it before moving in a year later, and remained in that home for their entire lives. The home on Adams was very special to Helen and many family members. Helen’s favorite flower was the Cymbidium orchids that Alex grew. Over the years, those orchids have been distributed throughout the family where they continue to bloom each year.
While raising her two daughters, she was active in the Greek Church which included teaching Sunday School for several years and organizing the Hellenic Balls. She was very involved in the Franklin Elementary PTA and continued to participate in events until recently.
Helen is preceded in death by her mother and father, Tom and Angie Huntalas, her loving husband, Alex, her sister, Bella Martikas, her brother-in-law, Tyke Martikas, her grandson, Chris Gladden, and her nephew, James Martikas III. She is survived by her sister, Kay Chiarchianis (Nick), of Stockton, her children, Angela Gladden (Ray) and Alexis Purcell (Robert), grandchildren Andrea Gladden, Julia Purcell and Alex Purcell, and loving cousins, nieces, nephews and many other family members and friends.
Helen’s life centered around her family and many friends. She was very proud of the many large family gatherings. She approached everything in life with a smile on her face and always had a kind word to say about everybody. When it comes to kindness and having a heart full of unconditional love, Helen set a mark that all of us should strive for. She was an inspiring grandmother to her four grandchildren and spent many hours taking them on exciting adventures over the years. She will always be remembered as our loving “Yiayia”.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to either Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave., Cardiff, CA 92007 or St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103.
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