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Helen A. Theodosakis fell asleep in the Lord on October 13th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 22, 1931 to the late Andrew and Evanthia (née Bazos). Helen was predeceased by her sisters Bessie (Foster) and Francis (John), as well as her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Helen Grom (Howard) and Julia (Peter), Alice (Bud), Mary (John), Harry, and George (Alice). Helen attended Falconer and Locke schools, and later, graduated with honors from Steinmetz High School. Her love of education continued throughout her life, as she always strived to learn something new.
Helen was an extraordinary Woman… she was a national sales rep for Ranem Enterprises, selling silks and ties to large national accounts. Prior to that, with the help of her Godfather George Peridis, she and her sister Bess opened Arthur’s Candy and Ice Cream Shop on Irving Park and Harlem Roads in Chicago. This is where she met the love of her life and cherished husband John C. Theodosakis. Their union brought 5 amazing children: John (Audrey), Jeffrey (Pam), James (Tanya), Jason MD, and Elizabeth (Scott Betzelos, MD). Though focused on their education, she supported their various activities like practices, meets, races, Greek School, and Sunday School. She and John ensured their children had every opportunity to gain experience and succeed. Her greatest joy was seeing them thrive in their fields and watching her grandchildren attend or plan to attend college.
In addition to raising her children, Helen worked side by side with John in businesses including their many iconic Chicagoland restaurants: Seven Eagles, Colonial Inn, Scotch and Sirloin, The Garlic Press, Papa Chris’, J.T.’s Almanac and the Country Inn, ensuring the customers were happy and that the business ran like a finely tuned machine. When her children were grown, Helen attended National College of Education in Wilmette, where she studied Arts and languages including Spanish, Italian, French and German.
She was an avid tennis player and was doing yoga before yoga became a “thing,” always seeming to be ahead of her time. She and her late husband John hosted countless festive dinners, parties, and holiday events that were legendary for family and friends and/or in support of the church and Philoptochos (Friend of The Poor). She also hosted political fundraiser events at their iconic Seven Eagles restaurant and was subsequently invited onto Air Force One under Eisenhower. She and John worked with John F. Kennedy’s election campaign and hosted him for breakfast at their hotel, The O’Hare Inn. Later, Helen served as an election judge for many years in the town where they lived, Bannockburn. Helen was a devout Orthodox Christian, actively participating in church and volunteer work. She served as secretary of St. John the Baptist Greek School, President of her parish Philoptochos, and President of the Diocese Philoptochos initiating lasting programs. With her friend and co-worker Georgia Barris, she created the first national Philanthropy Fund, promoting it throughout the Metropolis. Helen gave 40 years of direct engagement in educating the needs for this program. She served on the National Philoptochos Board for 6 years, and chaired numerous events. Under his Eminence Archbishop Iakovos and Bishop Lakovos, she received many gratitude letters and served on the Bishop Iakovos Scholarship Program committee.
Throughout the decades, the family enjoyed many grand vacations via plane, train and automobile. Helen had many lifelong friendships, especially enjoying her close family and relatives (Symbethedi). She was passionate about organically gardening in her backyard and then cooking and canning the fruits of her labor. She was a true lover of animals and enjoyed riding her horse and caring for her dogs and cats (strays included) throughout the years….and there were so many! Helen enjoyed a full and charmed life with her husband and family. In addition to her beloved children, she leaves behind her precious grandchildren: Paris, Pearl, Alexandra, John, Antonia, Olivia, Max and Eva, many nieces/nephews, cousins, and her Godchildren, Paul Cutsuvitits, Sam Poulos, George Pappas, Ann Gianaras Coon, and Marianne Kretekos, all of whom had a special place in her heart. Viewing and Service at 10:15, Thursday Oct. 17, St. John Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, IL. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Philoptochos Philanthropy Fund in Helen’s memory. Donations can be made to The Philoptochos Philanthropy Fund, mail to: Elizabeth Theodosakis 350 Voltz Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.