Helen Apostolos Obituary

Apostolos, Helen

Helen Apostolos passed away in Elmwood Park, Illinois of natural causes on December 9, 2023.

Helen was born in Oak Park/Chicago, Illinois in 1926 to the late Peter and Anastasia (née Trakas) Apostolos, who both emigrated from Greece in the early 1900s. Helen grew up during the depression, was an exceptional student, earned a place at DePaul University, and worked her way through college to become a school teacher during a time when most women did not have such opportunities. She taught middle school at River Grove Elementary School where she was known to be a strict yet caring teacher, enriching the lives of many students for decades. She loved to travel and visited her beloved motherland of Greece and many other places.

She also loved dancing and would tell stories about going dancing in the dance halls of Chicago, like the Aragon Ballroom, from about the 1940s. It was only kismet that Helen would meet the love of her life, the late Peter Kmieciak, though years later, while dancing. They were married in Chicago in 1990. Together, they enjoyed sports events, taking road trips, often to sports events and casinos, decorating their home for all the holidays, and enjoying each other's company for as long as they could.

She had a soft spot for her furry dog friends, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were. Most recently her beloved Prince-baby lay by her side and kept her company every day even when she was no longer able to provide him the treats to which he had become accustomed.

Helen will always be remembered for her generosity, intelligence, strength, and, of course, organization. We will miss Helen every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Anastasia Apostolos, her brothers, Thomas Apostolos, Paul (the late Xenia) Apostolos, and her nephew, Peter Apostolos. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and god-children.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 14 at St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Narragansett, Chicago, Illinois, 60634, at 11:30am followed by the funeral service at 12:30pm. Interment will follow immediately after at Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum, 2905 Thatcher Ave, River Grove, IL 60171.

Per Helen's request, in lieu of flowers, donations are much appreciated and may be made to DePaul University's Study Abroad Scholarship Program: https://give.depaul.edu/apostolos

May her memory be eternal.

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