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Helen Stavarakis
8/21/2021

SPRINGFIELD – Helen (Dabakis) Stavarakis, 93, of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Saturday, August 21, 2021. She passed into Eternal Life at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of her loving family. She was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey on November 7, 1927, a beloved daughter of the late John and Kadiani (Papagrigorakis) Dabakis. In her early years, she grew up in Chicopee with her loving siblings, Calliope, Charles, Gregory, James who was killed in the Pacific Theater while serving in the U.S Navy for his country during World War II, Evelyn, and George, all of whom have predeceased her. Helen was a paraprofessional for many years in the Springfield Public School System. Active in her Orthodox faith, she was a longtime communicant of Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield where she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, served on the Bingo Committee, and for many years was the principle coordinator and organizer for the Easter flowers and decorations during Holy Week. She was a devoted member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society where she served as the Springfield Chapter President for multiple terms as well as the President of the Diocesan Philoptochos Board of Boston which serves all of the New England states. She was awarded the Medal of Saint Paul in recognition of her devotion and commitment to the homeless and less fortunate. She was also recognized with the 2012 AGAPE Award in honor of her unselfish continuous dedication and service. Helen was one of the original GLENDI Greek Festival organizers and chairperson for many years. She was also a member of the Cretan Ladies Society Proodos. Helen served as an English/Greek interpreter at the Shriners Hospital for Children for the young patients and their parents from Greece and Cypress. She leaves her beloved husband of 72 years, Nicholas; her daughters, Cleo Stavarakis Mavrelion and her husband, Charles, of Windsor, CT and Diane Stavarakis formerly of Cazadero, CA. Helen loved adventure and travel. Helen and Nick enjoyed trips to many U.S. states, Greece, Italy, and Australia. Helen will be deeply missed by her loving brother-in-law, Andrew Psilakis and his wife, Doreen, of Longmeadow; her loving sister-in-law, Helen Psilakis of Springfield; and her many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. Besides her parents and siblings, she was predeceased by her dear brothers-in-law, Christos Psilakis and James Sophinos. Helen will Lie in Repose on Monday, August 30, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to be followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2320 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01107. Her Burial will be private at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Her funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. For those who prefer, her family requests that memorial donations be made in her memory to the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 22 Saint George Road, Springfield, MA 01104; the Ladies Philoptochos (Evangelismos) Society, 22 Saint George Road, Springfield, MA 01104; the Cretan Ladies Society Proodos Chapter, 35 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104; or to the Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101-6307. For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels
7 Chapin Terrace
Springfield, MA USA 01107
413-737-1177