WORCESTER-Helen A. (Eliopoulos) Litsas, 92, of Worcester, passed away Thursday, September 24th, surrounded by her family. Yia Yia will be forever missed by her daughter, Fran J. Heppenstall, with whom she lived; her grandchildren, Raena J. Heppenstall and her husband Michael Schaffer of Worcester and Richard J. Heppenstall of San Francisco, CA; her great grandchildren, Reid Maren Schaffer and Greyson Michael Schaffer, both of Worcester; and three nieces and a nephew. She was predeceased by her brothers, John, Arthur, Manuel, and James Eliopoulos.
She was born in Haverhill, the daughter of Paul and Frosso (Peppes) Eliopoulos, graduated from Haverhill High School in 1937 and lived in Worcester most of her life. Helen was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, its Ladies Philoptochos Society, and was active in the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and the Daughters of Penelope. She retired from Marcus Department Store after 30 years, in 1987, where she loved to work and made many lifelong friends. Upon her retirement, she devoted the rest of her life to her family. She was well known for her home cooking, especially her Greek dishes and pastries and her culinary skills were passed on to her granddaughter. The time Yia Yia spent with her family was the “best of all.” While she is no longer here on Earth with us, she will always be the heart-beat of this family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Summit Elder Care and the Knollwood Nursing Center for their dedication and support.
The funeral is Tuesday, Septmber 29th 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 be in Hope Cemetery. A calling hour is Tuesday from 9:30 until 10:30 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609.