Helen "Eleni" (Marinakos) Pappas, 94, of Worcester, died peacefully, Thursday, January 3rd at Holy Trinity Nursing Home. Her husband, Leonidas Pappas died in 1975. She is survived by her daughter, Maria Pappas; two nephews and her niece, George, Nick and Mary Karahalios of Los Angeles, as well as other relatives in Athens and the Peloponnese. She was predeceased by her two brothers, John and George and her two sisters, Hrisavgi and Artemis
She was born in the village of Karatoula, Arkadias Greece, the oldest daughter of Nicholas and Maria Marinakos. The start of World War II interrupted her schooling. At 14 she was sent to live in Athens with family, she remained there for 15 years.
In 1955 she migrated to Worcester and joined her husband; she then went on to work at Astra Pharmaceutical for 30 years.
She was a devout member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Her love of cooking and baking was evident as she welcomed visitors to her home always offering Greek food and her specialty sweets for which she was known for. All who knew Helen knew she was quite a character; strong, tough and rugged she was also a compassionate and loving woman who remembered poverty, war, and instability during her younger years and never forgot the needs of people she left behind and those in need here.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Holy Trinity Nursing Home, Courtyard for the excellent care provided to Helen.
Her funeral is Wednesday, January 9th, from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a service at 11:00 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, January 8th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.