Helen Stratigos

Helen Petriti Stratigos Born June 8th, 1928 in Newport, Rhode Island and a long-time resident of Sausalito, CA, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully at her home in Greece, on the island of Aegina, Port of Souvala, on November 8, 2010. A graduate of Barnard College and Columbia University, she was a research organic chemist that was instrumental in many cutting-edge medical and pharmaceutical advancements. A true maverick in her day, Helen was a successful chemist in her field at a time when few women were involved in chemistry and research. Her entire life was one of paving ways for others and providing doors of opportunity. Helen was a devoted wife to her late husband Ted. They married in San Francisco in 1959, settled in Sausalito in 1961, and shared 45 beautiful years together raising their three lovely sons. Active throughout her life in the Greek community, Helen was a devoted member of the Greek Orthodox Church, and passionate about the choir and Byzantine Liturgical Music. She sang in the church choir for over 50 years, and always had a song in her heart, surrounding herself with music and song wherever she would go. She was a promoter of many budding musicians and vocalists, encouraging them and providing opportunities for their growth. One of the greatest joys in her life was to help, promote, and inspire others. She built doors and put them in front of people - not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity. She is survived by her loving sons George, John, and Spiro; daughters-in-law Lilika and Mary Kay; grandchildren Theo, Eleni, Demetri, Niko and Sophia; and sister Mary and family; and many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and extended family in Greece. Friends and family are invited to Trisagion Services at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 and Funeral Services at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. All services will take place at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Psaltiki, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of the Hellenic Psaltic Art, also known as Byzantine and post-Byzantine Chant and Hymnology, by facilitating, cultivating and supporting its academic study, as well as initiating projects that transmit the psaltic heritage. Donations may be sent to Psaltiki, Inc., P.O. Box 149161, Orlando, FL 32814-9161 or www.psaltiki.org .