Helen Christo

Helen K. Christo, age 93, of Oakdale, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

Helen was a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana where she lived with her loving husband, Andy P. Christo, who passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at age 86.

Helen relocated to Oakdale, Minnesota in 2016 to share time with family and friends.  As an avid gardener and reader, she was a member of the Turkey Creek Garden Club, St. Helen’s Philoptochos Society, Friends of the Lake County Library, Emerson School Alumni Class of 1945 and a member of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral for 45 years.

She became a great-grandma 16 years ago and had endless love for every generation of her family. Known for her world famous “peta”, she prepared countless meals for the family over the years with undying love. In recent years, she was a Rummikub Champion at The Waters Senior Living Complex, and an enthusiastic participant in all activities. Never known to be shy about sharing her opinion and analysis, she was a joy to be around. A truly wonderful and caring person, she was the unquestioned matriarch of the family, an irreplaceable force that will be sorely missed. Her infectious smile and devotion to each of us will be remembered. A life well lived!

Helen is survived by her three loving daughters: Patricia (Charles) Mintz of Cleveland, OH, Lizabeth (James) Vardaman of Minneapolis, MN and Angela Christo of Woodbury, MN, her sister, Sandy (James) Shirey; 4 grandchildren: Isaac and Laura (Carl Hirsch) Mintz, Dawn Groves, and Jeremy Vardaman; 4 great-grandchildren: Jadon and Haley Groves, Jace and Kobi Vardaman; and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ramos.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Geisen Funeral & Cremation Services, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Trisagion Prayer Service will be held at 5:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 10:00 AM DIRECTLY at SS. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison St., Merrillville, IN 46410, with Fr. William Conjelko officiating.  Interment to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in memory of Helen to the Lake County Legacy Foundation at http://www.legacyfdn.org, the SS. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, or a charity of your choice.

To view and/or sign Helen’s online guestbook visit www.GeisenFuneralHome.com – (219)663-2500.