Obituary of Helen Sotirakos

Helen, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a friend, has left behind all those who love her to be reunited with all those waiting for her beyond this earth on her journey to her eternal home. Helen was born in Dafni, Lakonia, Greece. In 1955, she immigrated to Canada where she met her husband Spiro in Ottawa. In 1966, they moved to Welland and opened a restaurant downtown, serving many meals over the years. She was an avid sewer and loved to knit. She donated many sweaters to the needy at Christmas over the years. She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake. She will forever be remembered for her Greek cookies! She and her husband tended to their vegetable garden over the years, and she loved her roses. Her faith was strong, and she was devoted to the Greek community and served in the Philoptochos Committee of the Greek Church.

Helen is predeceased by her husband Spiro and all her brothers and sisters. She will be remembered and loved by her daughters; Tina, Tess and Kathy Sotirakos (Nick Roussos). Forever cherished by her grandson, Mike Roussos, many cousins, nephews and nieces in Canada, USA and Greece.

We greatly appreciate all of our relatives and all of our mother's friends who visited and called as her health declined. Thank you to the staff, the wonderful PSWs, and all the friends our mother made at Plymouth Cordage. Thank you to the staff at Rapelje Lodge, though our mother was there for only a short time, your compassion and wonderful care eased our worries. Thank you to all our family and friends who joined us in prayer for our mother, and to God for answering our prayers. Mom, you fought hard and finally let go, may your memory be eternal. We love you.

The family will receive family and friends at the WELLAND FUNERAL HOME, CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 827 East Main Street, Welland on Monday, October 23, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

The First Thrice Holy Hymn/Trisagio Service will take place, followed by a Funeral Service at St Katharine Greek Orthodox Church, 585 Niagara Street, St Catharines, Ontario on Tuesday, October 24 at 11 a.m.  The Final Thrice Holy Hymn/Trisagio Service and Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Welland.  

As an expression of sympathy, donations to St. Katharine Greek Orthodox Church or Wellspring Niagara would be appreciated by the family.