Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

HELEN MANTHOU Obituary

Helen Manthou Beloved mother and grandmother, passed away January 24, 2011 at the age of 85. Born in Chicago, she lived the last 60 years with her family in Tacoma. During this time she married Mathew Manthou who preceded her in death, and lovingly raised Chris (Susan), Spiro (Sandy), Frank (Judi) and Heidi Gilbert (Orv) and always regarded her many nieces and nephews from Chicago and California as her own, including Tacoma natives, Fran Manthou and Rene Rosi. She loved children especially her nine grandchildren and cherished her time spent as a volunteer helping struggling young readers. Mom touched many lives by often treating others to her delicious Greek baked goods. She retired from Tacoma Public Utilities where she worked in customer service. Mom was a proud, devoted member of Holy Resurrection Church and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church where she spent many volunteer hours as the dance director of the children's dance group. She had a passion for lifetime learning and was active with a variety of interests including playing golf, watching old movies, learning the guitar, flute, Spanish, drawing and writing an autobiography. Family and friends will miss her love, loyalty, fairness, thoughtfulness and outspoken opinions. Helen is at peace with Mathew. Trisagion Vigil will be held 6:00 PM, Sunday, January 30, at Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM , Monday, January 31, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Donations can be made to either Holy Resurrection Church or St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Tacoma. www.pipermorleymellingerfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Jan. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for HELEN MANTHOU

17 Entries

Anna & Aunt Helen having fun with hats

Dean Koclanakis

February 2, 2011

Two crazy Greek ladies at a Wedding

Dean Koclanakis

February 2, 2011

Deedee, David, Zachary & Sophia Ellis

February 2, 2011

To our most loving dearest aunt and second mother,
You have filled our spirits with such special memories. Our hearts with your love, friendship, and devotion. You always gave us a shoulder to lean on, much loving advice, and showered us with how to take hold of life and enjoy it. You have guide us in the life of Christ, and thought us the most important part of life is to be greek and only greek...lol And to carry our tradition in religion and faith. Your spirit will stay lit in our hearts always....s 'a?ap?

Heidi Koclanakis

February 2, 2011

There are so many memories that may Aunt Helen gave us that we will cherish. My Mom will really miss her sister especially. She said to me today that she can’t believe she will not be able to call her up and speak to her. Helen really lived life to its fullest and we are just glad we were a part of that. We will miss you dearly, until we meet again. We love you and will always cherish our memories of you. Love Jean & Heidi Koclanakis

Dean & Cathy Koclanakis

February 1, 2011

Thank you lord for giving us such a beautiful person to help guide us and show us how to enjoy life to the fullest. Helen was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, and Aunt. She touched so many hearts and influenced us is so many ways. We all love her dearly and we will truely miss her. Her footprint for Family, God, and life will be eternal.

January 30, 2011

I worked with Helen at Utilities and was sorry to hear of her passing. She was a lovely person. My prayers are with you. Pat Crane

Andria Curtis

January 30, 2011

We are so grateful to have spent the little time we did with Aunt Helen when she would come to visit. She will be missed.... Love the George Curtis family

Debbie Tainer

January 30, 2011

Manthou family, I loved working with your mom at TPU. She had such a terrific spirit and great attitude. She loved her family, her church and her dancers so much. The best baklava maker around. I can still see her smile and hear her voice. Love to all,

January 30, 2011

Heidi,
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and the family

Yolanda Smith

Teddy Bessinas

January 29, 2011

I was deeply saddened to hear about Helen's passing. She was a wonderful lady that I admired very much. I appreciated her directing my children in Greek folk dancing as all the children of the church community. I will always remember my golfing experience with her at the AHEPA golf tournament. That has truly become a fond memory for me. She has truly been an inspiration and a blessing to me. May God bless and comfort her family through the days ahead...
Everlasting be Helen's Memory!

Michael Jensen

January 28, 2011

Helen was a Saint. She was loving and gracious and loved her family and friends dearly. She touched me forever and for that I shall be blessed. I extend my love and regards to her entire family.

January 28, 2011

Helen Tom and I we will miss you
and our Phone calls I hope you rest in peace.You will always be in our Hearts
Helga & Tom

Danielle Pierson

January 28, 2011

I Love you Auntie Helen- You touched my heart in so many ways, you taught me so many thing, and I have so many memories of you, I am going to cherish every single one of them. There is going to be such a void without you. I am going to miss you so much!...

Susan manthou

January 28, 2011

Helen, My mother in law, friend, and Yia Yia to our children for over 36 years. I will miss you horribly and it is hard not to reach for the phone to call you so we can talk as we did so often. I will find you in many ways when I hear Greek music, attend Church Services, Greek dance, watch old movies miss you every holiday, and so much more. You were always kind and gentle to me with a loving heart. I hope that I was a good daughter in law to you for all the years and I hope you know that I loved you very much. May your Memory Be eternal. Susan Manthou

David Ray

January 28, 2011

To the Manthou and Gilbert families;
May your mother's memory be eternal, Helen was a unique person, she did it her way, I have many fond memories of her teaching my children how to dance, may all your memories help you in your time of sorrow.

Eva Malley

January 28, 2011

Chris, Spiro and Family - So sorry to read of the passing of your Mom. Funny how when we are teens wrapped up in our own lives, how we rarely realize how wonderful our parents are. Obviously, your Mom was a terrific lady and you must be thankful to have had her in your lives for so long. Mine passed away at 55, but still have my wonderful Dad. May fond family memories comfort you at this most difficult time. Take care, Eva and Ed Malley

Allyson Gilbert

January 28, 2011

I love you Yia Yia. You are and always will be the voice in my head. I will miss you so much & I know you are up there watching over us, and saying your prayers for all of us each day. I hope you have got to be with your husband and that you send my dad my love as well. I will always cherish our many memories and pass them on to my family so they live on forever, as you would want. Thank you for always being so giving, so loving & the best Yia Yia we could all ever ask for. Love you.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results